2023 AFCONQ: João Mario upbeat about Guinea Bissau chances against Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Guinean forward João Mario says the team’s state of mind is “magnificent” ahead of Friday’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with Nigeria in Abuja.

The Super Eagles and the Wild Dogs will trade tackle in Friday’s AFCON Qualifiers with a ticket for next year’s tournament in sight for the West African side.

Nigeria hold a perfect record after wins over Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe and the Spartak Varna forward believes teamwork gives the Wild Dogs’ confident despite their respect for the three-time African champions.

“Our mood is magnificent, you can tell the fact in the first training in Abuja despite the long journey we made. But with this spirit that we have trained, I think it will enable us to be ready for the game,” Mario told journalists.

“The dimension of the country’s name, with its players, does not move anything with the players of Guinea Bissau, because nowadays football is 50/50 and we will enter the field to do our jobs, respecting the opponent and I repeat we will do our job.”

Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw with Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco on Wednesday turned out a boost for the Eagles, as the Leone Stars are stuck on one point after three matches and may no longer be in contention if Nigeria grabs all six points from two matches with the  Guineans.

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 has featured in three Africa Cup of Nations finals, making an impressive debut at the 2017 tournament in Gabon.