Alex Iwobi to captain Nigeria against Guinea-Bissau in AFCON qualifier

Alex Iwobi is set to captain Nigeria against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday as the Super Eagles continue their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign, according to Soccernet.ng.

The Fulham midfielder will take over the armband from Wilfred Ndidi, who led Nigeria during Friday’s 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, a Daily Post report says.

Iwobi’s appointment gives him a greater leadership role after he played a key part in Nigeria’s recovery against Madagascar. The Premier League record maker provided the pass for George Ilenikhena to score an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

The goal was Ilenikhena’s first for Nigeria at senior level. Moses Usor completed the comeback in the 65th minute, just four minutes after coming on for Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria return to qualifying action with three points already secured, but face a difficult away match against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau. The change in captaincy comes as manager Eric Chelle considers his options after the opening two rounds of Group L fixtures.

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau level on points

Both sides began the campaign with victories, although Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group on goal difference. The Djurtus defeated Tanzania 2-0 in Zanzibar, with Franculino Dju opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Mama Balde added a second in the 58th.

Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar was narrower, leaving the Super Eagles behind their next opponents in the early standings.

Tuesday’s match will be played at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau, with kick-off at 5pm Nigerian time.

Chelle has 24 players available in camp for the fixture. Victor Osimhen is missing after the Galatasaray striker sustained a right thigh muscle strain against Basaksehir, while Taiwo Awoniyi was later added to the squad.

Nigeria have won at the same venue in their most recent meeting there during the previous AFCON qualifying cycle. Moses Simon scored the only goal as the Super Eagles secured a 1-0 victory.

One qualifying place available

The group’s qualification picture is complicated by Tanzania’s position as co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda. Tanzania qualify automatically, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the one remaining place from the group.

A win for Nigeria would move Iwobi’s side on to six points from their first two matches and leave Guinea-Bissau on three. That would give Chelle’s team an early advantage in a group where dropped points could prove costly.