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The Super Eagles face the Guinea-Bissau in the final group match on Wednesday in Garoua on Wednesday evening
Although the Nigerians have already secured top spot in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 and qualified for the Round of 16, the Eagles want to round off the group stage on a high and they are making no pretences about it.
Convincing victory over Egypt, followed by another against Sudan, ensured the Super Eagles qualified as the top of the group, regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s match.
Defender William Troost-Ekong sees the Guineans as a strong side but he wants his team to take all three points at stake.
“We will face a strong opponent and we will work the same way to win. I have experience in this competition and try to use it to improve. We started to believe in ourselves after a series of failures and now we continue to do well and we will improve even more. We have two challenges, the Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the World Cup. Nothing is easy and we all pledge to fight for each of them.”
Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustin Eguavoen will be ringing some changes in personnel in this match but he wants improvement in goal scoring.
“We will continue to work. We respect our opponents and will continue on the same path. We must improve and take advantage of opportunities and score more goals. There will be changes in the squad, but we will not underestimate the match. All the players here are able to participate and represent Nigeria strongly.”
The Wild Dogs seek a victory that may secure it passage to the next round, given the result of the other group match between Egypt and Sudan at the same time, or as one of the best third-placed teams in the groups.
Guinea-Bissau has not won in the eight matches it has played in the Africa Cup of Nations so far. But a win in Garoua on Wednesday will be invaluable as it could mean Djurtus’ qualification for the next round, if the results go in their favor.
Guinea-Bissau suffered two blows in the last minutes of their group matches. They missed a penalty against Sudan to settle for a goalless draw, then they thought that they scored the equalizer against Egypt, to which Mohamed Salah led, but the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened to cancel the goal.
Goalkeeper Jonas Mendes says Nigeria is beatable and that’s what they are going to do, win the game and qualify to the Round of 16.
“We know that the opponent is strong, but we trust in ourselves and nothing is easy, but we will make every effort and it is important to get the first victory and we hope to achieve it in the match. The last match was difficult for us, but we are professional players who know how to overcome difficult moments and prepare for what is to come, especially as we strive to make our country and our fans happy.”
For Coach Baciro Cande, it would be very good to upset Nigeria.
“The match will be difficult, but it is important to get three points if we are to continue competing. We know Nigeria are a strong team, but we are well prepared, and we will play to win. We have to believe in our ability and fight for what we believe in because this is football.”
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