Chelle keeps Nigeria guessing ahead of Guinea Bissau qualifier

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has declined to reveal his tactical plan for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau, saying his decisions will depend on the condition of his players.

The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday night, but were forced to recover from going behind before debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored in either half to secure all three points.

Chelle expects a different type of contest when Nigeria face Guinea Bissau at the September 24 Stadium.

“Guinea Bissau, this is not the same team as Madagascar; they have their strengths and weaknesses,” the Super Eagles manager told Brila.net.

“I have to think about our approach, I cannot tell you exactly what system we will employ, but I will have to go with the condition of the players and then plot a plan.”

The coach’s comments came as preparations continued before the squad’s departure for Bissau on Sunday. Only 23 players took part in the team’s training session before the journey.

Ademola Lookman worked separately from the rest of the squad, completing a light workout. The winger may have picked up an injury during the match against Madagascar, according to the report.

Lookman travelled with the team and is not currently considered a doubt for Tuesday’s fixture. However, there has been no official confirmation of his fitness.

Guinea Bissau lead Group L

Nigeria’s opponents opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Tanzania, which left Guinea Bissau top of Group L before Tuesday’s meeting.

The two sides have played each other four times previously, with Guinea Bissau having recorded one victory in those encounters.

Despite a 106-place gap between the teams in the current FIFA rankings, the fixture is not expected to be defined by a significant difference in level.

The Super Eagles had to work hard for their opening win against Madagascar, and Chelle’s side now face a Guinea Bissau team that began its own campaign with a convincing result.

The match at the September 24 Stadium will therefore provide Nigeria with a second test in the qualifiers, while Chelle continues to assess the players available to him and keeps his intended system undisclosed.