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Sam Elijah: Former Nigerian international demands strong Eagles’ showing against Guinea Bissau
Former Nigerian international midfielder Sam Elijah has warned the Super Eagles against underestimating Guinea-Bissau ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau.
Elijah said the era of “minnows” in African football is over and urged Nigeria to approach the Group L encounter with maximum concentration, commitment and tactical discipline.
The Super Eagles opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, but Elijah believes the performance should serve as a warning rather than a reason for complacency.
“The match against Madagascar is an eye opener and a match that we should go back to the drawing board and start all over again,” Elijah told AllNigeriaSoccer.
Nigeria fell behind in the first half before George Ilenikhena equalised in stoppage time, while fellow debutant Moses Usor completed the comeback in the second half to secure the three points.
Although pleased with the result, Elijah questioned aspects of Nigeria’s performance and stressed that the team must improve before facing Guinea-Bissau.
“If you look at the performance, it is not in the high level but my joy and happiness is that we got our three points,” he said.
Elijah also urged head coach Eric Chelle to move away from unnecessary experimentation and settle on players capable of delivering under the pressure of a competitive qualifier.
“Now we have gone beyond trying to experiment with players, we need to settle down and the coach knows the players that would give us the desired result,” he said.
His warning comes after Guinea-Bissau also opened their campaign with an away victory, defeating Tanzania 2-0 in Zanzibar to move to the top of Group L on goal difference.
With both Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria on three points, Tuesday’s encounter represents an important early test for the Super Eagles in a group where only the eventual winner will secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
Elijah called for Nigeria to select players who are fully committed to carrying out the coach’s instructions rather than taking risks with the team selection.
“We don’t need to gamble, we need players that are committed. We need players that would play according to instructions. There are no more minnows if it comes to football in Africa and the world. It is the way you prepare yourself,” he warned.
The former Flying Eagles midfielder also wants the technical crew to intensify preparations for what he considers a must-win fixture.
“So the preparation should [be] on top gear by the coach, technically and tactically. The boys must come out highly committed and determined. It is a must win match for us. We need to approach the match with all diligence,” Elijah said.
Elijah particularly praised Ilenikhena for scoring on his Super Eagles debut and backed the Al-Ittihad forward to improve further as the qualifying campaign progresses.
“He has really done well. To score a goal is not easy. For him to come in and give this great performance, I think he would do better,” he said, adding that “the future is bright with him.”
Nigeria have since travelled to Bissau for the second Group L fixture, with Chelle expected to make tactical adjustments after admitting that Guinea-Bissau will present a different challenge from Madagascar.
The Super Eagles will therefore be seeking another three points on Tuesday, while Guinea-Bissau will attempt to build on their opening-day victory and strengthen their position in the group.