AFCON 2025
Former Nigerian midfielder Sam Elijah has warned the Super Eagles against taking Guinea-Bissau lightly when the two sides meet in Bissau on Tuesday in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Elijah was a member of Nigeria’s 1989 Flying Eagles team that reached the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The former Flying Eagles midfielder believes the Djurtus deserve full respect. “There are no more minnows in football in Africa and the world,” he told allnigeriasoccer.com. In his view, results come down to preparation.
The warning carries weight because Guinea-Bissau arrive in form. They opened Group L with a 2-0 away win over co-hosts Tanzania in Zanzibar, with Franculino Djú scoring in the 33rd minute and Mama Baldé adding a second eight minutes after the restart. Nigeria also have three points after their 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo, but the Djurtus sit top of the group on goal difference.
Elijah was not impressed by how Nigeria won. He called the Madagascar game “an eye opener” and said the team must “go back to the drawing board.” He was glad the Super Eagles collected maximum points, but he described the performance as below the required level.
He wants coach Éric Chelle to sharpen both the technical and tactical sides of the team’s preparation, and to stop experimenting. “We don’t need to gamble, we need players that are committed,” Elijah said. He stressed that qualifiers are not friendlies, and he called Tuesday’s match a must-win.
Elijah did find something to praise. He singled out George Ilenikhena, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar, and urged the forward to raise his level again in Bissau.
The Super Eagles flew out of Uyo on Sunday and landed in Bissau that evening. Kick-off is at 5pm on Tuesday, and Nigeria will look to go two wins from two while avoiding the complacency Elijah fears.
