Nigeria’s Super Eagles will look to extend their lead in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series when they face the Djurtus (Wild Dogs) of Guinea-Bissau today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja with all eyes on inform Napoli of Italy striker Victor Osimhen to bang in the goals.
The top-of-the-table clash means both teams will be eyeing all the three at stake to consolidate on their gains towards landing in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.
The three afican champions began their chase for a 20th Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a 2-1 victory over Sierra Leone 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium before thrashing Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 on matchday2 with Victor Osimhen scoring four of the goals.
With five goals in previous two matches, Serie A top scorer is among the leading marksmen in the qualifying race and will grab every opportunity in both double-leg games against Guinea Bissau to perfectly put daylight between himself and other contenders.
Coach José Santos Peseiro will surely put his best foot forward in only his third match, with the objective of keeping intact his hundred per cent record in competitive matches.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho could start in goal, and there are Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kevin Akpoguma, Kenneth Omeruo, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Bruno Onyemaechi to pick from for the rearguard, as well as England-based quartet Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo in the middle of the pack.
Captain Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu are available for the fore sector, as the Eagles aim for all six points that will super-pave their pathway to the finals.
Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw with Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco on Wednesday turned out a boon for the Eagles, as the Leone Stars are stuck on one point after three matches and would no longer be in the contest if Nigeria grab all six points from these two matches.
Coach Baciro Candé, who has led the Djurtus an impressive four points in their previous two games, said on arrival in Nigeria on Wednesday that his boys will play with confidence and invention.
Guinea Bissau have featured in three Africa Cup of Nations finals, making an impressive debut at the 2017 tournament in Gabon.
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