Afcon 2023: “Anything is possible” – Guinea Bissau coach Baciro Cande warns Nigeria

Guinea Bissau head coach, Baciro Candé, has sent warning to Group A opponents, especially Nigeria ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

The Wild Dogs are pitted against powerhouses Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea. Cande who became the first manager to lead Guinea-Bissau to the AFCON in 2017 is relishing improved campaign this time, having defeated the Super Eagles in their qualifying series, in March 2023, in Abuja.

The 56-year-old has now guided the nation to three consecutive AFCON tournaments and he is eyeing a historic breakthrough for the Djurtus, aiming to shepherd them beyond the group stages for the first time.

“Our goal is to finally get past the first round. It’s true that our group is very tough with opponents like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, but anything is possible in football; anything is possible,” Candé told CAF media.

However they must face steep challenge as the road ahead begins with a clash against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, followed by a face-off with Equatorial Guinea, and the climax will see them lock horns with Nigeria.

Although, the Djurtus are making their fourth appearance at the AFCON and are yet to win a match or make it past the group stage at the continental championships, they remain unshaken.