Super Eagles news: Nigeria’s hero against Madagascar in doubt for Guinea-Bissau clash

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has indicated that Nigeria might be missing one or two players when they play Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The three-time African champions take on the Djurtus in their second game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers tomorrow, and a victory is key for them if they want to claim the top spot in Group L.

​They already started on a solid note, claiming a 2-1 win against Madagascar in Uyo. But they sit second due to an inferior goal difference compared to Guinea-Bissau, who won 2-0 in Tanzania.

Tolu Arokodare and Super Eagles players. Photo by: ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

​Recall that only one team will qualify from that group due to the presence of one of the co-hosts, Tanzania. So, the Super Eagles have to stamp their authority early on.

​However, the Guinea-Bissau encounter promises to be a tough one, as the hosts hold home advantage and field some decent players who can cause serious problems for the Super Eagles.

​Coach Eric Chelle had to enter this set of games without his star man Victor Osimhen, who is struggling with a muscle injury. Nonetheless, two players handed debut call-ups — George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor — scored the goals against Madagascar.

Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen of Super Eagles. Copyright: IMAGOxVincentxKAMTOx

​But ahead of the game against Guinea-Bissau, there is a chance that he will be without one of his key match-winners.

​Super Eagles Might Miss Key Attacker

​In the pre-match press conference for the game against Guinea-Bissau, coach Chelle indicated that George Ilenikhena is a doubt and will need to be evaluated in their final training session to ascertain his availability.

George Ilenikhena, for Nigeria Super Eagles. (Photo by: ImagoxNsidibexAkpan)

​”We have to manage George [Ilenikhena]. He has a little something, so we will see in the final training session,” Chelle said in the pre-match conference.

​”Apart from him, we have two or three players who are sick. We will see before Tuesday.”

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As it stands, the Al-Ittihad forward might have to undergo further checks, and his minutes may need to be managed depending on his condition. If he is unavailable, it will be a blow, as Ilenikhena looked very lively and confident on his debut, even scoring the opening goal for Nigeria.

Coach Eric Chelle, of Nigeria. Copyright: Imagoxshengolpixsx

​On the other hand, this could create an opportunity for Ajax star Tolu Arokodare and Coventry City man Taiwo Awoniyi to prove their worth to coach Chelle.

​It now remains to be seen whether the former Monaco forward will be passed fit to play on Tuesday, as it will likely be a matchday decision.