Chelle keeps Nigeria’s plans under wraps for Guinea-Bissau test

Eric Chelle has refused to reveal Nigeria’s tactical approach for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, warning that the hosts will pose a different challenge from Madagascar.

The Super Eagles began their Group L campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday night, although they had to come from behind to secure all three points. Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored in either half to overturn the Barea’s early advantage.

Nigeria now face Guinea-Bissau at the September 24 Stadium, with Chelle acknowledging that the next assignment will require a different plan.

“Guinea Bissau, this is not the same team as Madagascar; they have their strengths and weaknesses,” the Super Eagles manager told Brila.net.

“I have to think about our approach, I cannot tell you exactly what system we will employ, but I will have to go with the condition of the players and then plot a plan.”

Only 23 players took part in Nigeria’s training session before the squad travelled to Bissau on Sunday.

Ademola Lookman trained separately from the rest of the group and completed a light workout. The winger is understood to have picked up a possible injury during the win over Madagascar.

Lookman travelled with the squad and is not currently considered a doubt for Tuesday’s match, although there has been no official confirmation regarding his fitness.

Guinea-Bissau sit top of Group L after opening their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Tanzania. Nigeria will therefore be facing the early group leaders in their second match.

The two sides have met four times previously, with Guinea-Bissau having claimed one victory in those encounters.

There are 106 places between the teams in the latest FIFA rankings, but the previous meetings and Guinea-Bissau’s opening result suggest Nigeria cannot expect an easy contest.

Nigeria’s first match in the qualifiers was ultimately decided by the contributions of two players making their international debuts. Ilenikhena and Usor found the net after Madagascar had taken the lead, giving Chelle a winning start in charge of the campaign.

The coach has now kept his options open ahead of the trip, saying the condition of his players will influence the system he selects for the match at the September 24 Stadium.