AFCON 2023: Players to watch Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria

Nigeria will be looking to seal qualification for the next round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they square off against the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau in their last game of the group stage.

The two teams have faced each other three times in the past, with Nigeria winning two of those encounters and Guinea Bissau winning one, with no draws recorded between them.

Nigeria will take to the pitch for the 100th time at the AFCON, becoming the fourth nation to reach that total after Egypt, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.

With the Super Eagles boasting an attacking force of Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Paul Onuachu, it would be a miracle for Guinea-Bissau to escape even with a draw.

Nigeria Football.ng bring you players to jeep an eye on from both teams.

The hero of Guinea-Bissau’s earlier victory over Nigeria, will spearhead their attack. Started his career in the academy at Sporting Lisbon but made his top flight debut at Desportivo Alves before moving to France in 2019 with Dijon then Troyes and is now at Olympique Lyonnais.

He is on loan from Troyes after their relegation last season with Lyon winning the race to sign him ahead of several other suitors. He made his debut for Guinea Bissau just ahead of the 2019 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt and also played at the last tournament in Cameroon two years ago.

Another notable player in their defence, bringing European experience to the team. Wearing the number 4 jersey, Marcelo Amado Djalo Taritolay has emerged as a stalwart in Guinea Bissau’s defensive formation.

Despite his team’s two consecutive losses, Djalo remains motivated to uphold his high standards in the final match of the group stages and end this campaign with a win. With all the experience of playing in Europe, he will play a very vital role in the match against Nigeria.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Victor Osimhen has taken center stage as the key player for the Nigerian team. Boasting an impressive record in Serie A this season, Osimhen secured a crucial equalizer for the Super Eagles in their AFCON opener.

Osimhen’s ability to navigate the field with agility, coupled with his adept ball control and scoring instincts, makes him a versatile and formidable presence on the pitch.

Victor Osimhen’s careless finishing has been a cause for concern for Nigeria in this fixture as he can pair with any of Moffi or Lookman to unleash fury against the Djurtus.

Fulham’s Calvin Bassey replaced the injured Alhassan Yusuf in Nigeria’s match against Ivory Coast and he is expected to continue in such stead.

Iheanacho could make his first appearance as the Leicester City star looks to prove his fitness ahead of stiffer challenges in the knockout rounds.

There aren’t any new injury concerns for Guinea-Bissau, and Ouparine Djoco is expected to stay in goal. However, Nigeria will be without Alhassan Yusuf, who missed their previous game due to injury.