Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle addressed key concerns on Monday during a pre-match press conference in Bissau ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
The Franco-Malian tactician confirmed that debutant striker George Ilenikhena is dealing with a minor physical issue and remains doubtful for the Group L encounter at Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Tuesday.
Chelle said the young Al-Ittihad forward, who scored on his senior debut in Friday’s 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo, would be assessed in the final training session. He also noted that two or three other players in the squad were battling illness, adding uncertainty to selection after Victor Osimhen was already ruled out of the September window.
Chelle stressed respect for the hosts, describing Guinea-Bissau as a strong side whose progress he has followed for years. The Djurtus enter the match top of the group on goal difference after a 2-0 away victory over Tanzania, and the coach warned that Nigeria must approach the game with a strong mentality to claim three points on the road.
“We respect them because they are a strong team,” Chelle said. “They also won away in Tanzania on Friday and will be confident playing on home ground. Our objective is to take the three points, and to do that, we must be at our best.”
On the playing surface at the 24 de Setembro stadium, Chelle declined to dwell on reports of its poor condition. He indicated the team would adapt and make the best of the terrain during the 90 minutes.
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