Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is positive about Nigeria’s chances of defeating Guinea-Bissau when both teams clash in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers coming up this evening.
Nigeria play Guinea-Bissau in a crucial double-header Victory for the Super Eagles in both legs would seal their spot at the next AFCON, especially after the 2-2 draw between Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe. Coach Jose Peseiro’s lads are massive favorites to claim the victory because of the apparent gulf in quality. And Lookman is confident that they would come out tops after two legs.
“I’m Looking forward to another big game for us in the qualification for the AFCON,” Lookman told NFF TV.
“This is an opportunity for us to get close to qualification. It’s always nice to score goals, which I’ve been doing. So I would like to take that into the team and keep working hard.
“But the most important thing is for the team to win and for us to qualify for the AFCON,” the Atalanta star added.
The last time Nigeria played Guinea Bissau was at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles won the tie 2-0.
Nigeria would be looking to defeat the Djurtus and put themselves in a good position to qualify for the African showpiece. In the same vein,West Brom defender, Semi Ajayi, Also expressed excitement about the game as he disclosed his desire to help Nigeria secure a place in the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. With centre-backs, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun out due to injuries, Ajayi hopes to be in the starting lineup against Guinea-Bissau. Coach Jose Peseiro has a decision to make about whom to play at the heart of the defence between Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo, Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma, and Ajayi.
“The most important thing is that I am part of the team. Whoever that is selected by the coaches to start the game will give his best. It’s a very important match for us and we will give our all to grab the three maximum points,’’ Ajayi assured.
How Super Eagles will line up against Guinea-Bissau
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will trade tackles with Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau on matchday 3 of the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday evening.
With Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro favouring a flat 4-4-2 formation, this is how allnigeriasoccer.com feels Nigeria should line up against Guinea-Bissau on Friday.
Goalkeeper: Francis Uzoho
The Omonia Nicosia star is the undisputed no.1 goalie for the Super Eagles at the moment and he is the most senior and experienced of the goalkeepers in camp. He gets the nod ahead of Victor Sochima and Chijioke Aniagboso.
Right-back: Bright Osayi- Samuel
The Fenerbahce right-back made his debut in the Super Eagles’ 4-0 loss to Portugal last year and he was pretty solid. Although he has not been consistent with his club side, we still believe he should start at right back.
Central defender: Kevin Akpoguma
Having started the last two games he has been available for selection and is in good form with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, he should start as one of the two central defenders.
Central defender: Calvin Bassey
He has been deployed mostly as a left-back for the Super Eagles, and it is time he was allowed to play as a center-back, especially when you also consider how well has been doing for Ajax in recent weeks in that position.
Left-back: Bruno Onyemaechi
Onyemaechi has been brilliant with Boavista in Liga Portugal this season and he should be allowed to start in place of Zaidu Sanusi, who has been inconsistent with the Super Eagles and unimpressive with Porto this season.
Right Midfielder: Samuel Chukwueze
The Villarreal winger is having a brilliant season with the yellow submarine, notching 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. We feel he should be given the nod to start.
Central Midfielder: Alex Iwobi
He has been one of Everton’s best players this season and has been one of the first names on the team sheet before now, and nothing should stop him from starting this game, playing as one of the two central midfielders.
Central Midfielder: Wilfred Ndidi
While he has been struggling for game time with Leicester city recently, he is the team’s best defensive midfielder and should start alongside Iwobi.
Left Midfielder: Moses Simon
The Nantes forward has 1 goal and 2 assists in this qualifying campaign already and should be allowed to continue his impressive run of form.
Striker: Kelechi Iheanacho
The Leicester City striker is best suited to a two-man attacking system and the team would benefit from having him and Osimhen lead the attack.
Striker: Victor Osimhen
With 5 goals and 2 assists already in this qualifying series, the impressive Napoli striker is guaranteed to start. It is another opportunity for Osimhen to close in on the late Rashidi Yekini’s record as the Super Eagles’ top scorer of all time.