Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau selection dilemma after Osimhen ruled out

Nigeria will have to reshape their attack for Tuesday’s crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, with Victor Osimhen unavailable and doubts over George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams.

The Super Eagles arrived in Bissau with three points from their opening Group L match after recovering from Ehsan Kari’s early goal to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday. George Ilenikhena equalised on his Nigeria debut before fellow newcomer Moses Usor scored the winner.

However, Eric Chelle now faces a significant decision over his forward line only four days later.

Ilenikhena and Adams fitness concerns

Ilenikhena and Adams trained away from the main squad during preparations for the match. Both started against Madagascar, with Adams substituted after playing just over an hour and Ilenikhena making way after 69 minutes.

Osimhen is the only confirmed absentee. The Galatasaray striker will miss both September qualifiers after sustaining a right-thigh muscle strain against Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare are therefore the senior centre-forward options available to Chelle. Usor has also strengthened his case for another appearance after scoring only four minutes into his Super Eagles debut.

Stanley Nwabali is expected to remain in goal after starting the victory over Madagascar. Ola Aina could also keep his place despite completing 87 minutes in Uyo, although Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu provide alternatives should Chelle choose to make changes in defence.

Awoniyi could lead a revised formation

Nigeria used a 4-4-2 formation in their opening qualifier, but Chelle could switch to a more compact 4-3-2-1 in Bissau.

If neither Adams nor Ilenikhena is fit enough to start, Awoniyi is expected to take the central attacking role.

Predicted Nigeria XI against Guinea-Bissau (4-3-2-1):

Nwabali; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Chukwueze; Awoniyi.

Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi would form the midfield three, with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze operating behind Awoniyi.

Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have three points from their opening fixtures. Guinea-Bissau lead Group L on goal difference after defeating Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria began with a 2-1 win over Madagascar.

The group has an added complication because Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027, have already qualified. That leaves only one qualifying place for the other three teams.

Victory would move Nigeria to six points and keep Guinea-Bissau on three. A draw would take both sides to four points, with Guinea-Bissau still ahead on goal difference. If Nigeria lose, the Djurtus would move clear on six points while the Super Eagles remain on three.

The match at Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 29, with Chelle aiming to secure a second victory within four days.