Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau: Ahmed Musa & 2 other changes Jose Peseiro could make

Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, with his captains, William Troost-Ekong (left) and Ahmed Musa (right). (Photo Credit: Oganla Media/X)

Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau: Ahmed Musa & 2 other changes Jose Peseiro could make

Izuchukwu Akawor 10:21 - 22.01.2024

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau will go head-to-head in a thrilling group finale, with Ahmed Musa set to lead changes to the team by Jose Peseiro.

Nigeria Super Eagles will go head-to-head against Guinea-Bissau in the final match of the group stage in Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023.

With a lot still to play for, Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro is expected to make some changes to the team that defeated Ivory Coast in the last game, with captain Ahmed Musa to make his bow. 

Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau: Musa set for recall

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is yet to feature at the AFCON 2023.
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is yet to feature at the AFCON 2023. (Photo Credit: OgaNla Media/X)

With stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong injured and ruled out against the Wild Dogs, Peseiro could hand a start to veteran Ahmed Musa.

Musa’s inclusion in the Super Eagles team to Ivory Coast remains a hot debate but in the absence of Troost-Ekong, who will miss the game due to a hamstring injury as reported by Pulse Sports, the experience of the former AFCON winner could be vital against Guinea-Bissau. 

At the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick in the second half by William Troost-Ekong.

His pace on the counter could also exploit the Guinea-Bissau defence as Nigeria looks to seal a win that could guarantee progress to the next round as group winners.

Kenneth Omeruo

Another former AFCON winner who could get a chance to feature for the first time in Cote d’Ivoire is Kenneth Omeruo.

Kenneth Omeruo has been outstanding at CB for Kasimpasa this season.
Kenneth Omeruo has been outstanding at CB for Kasimpasa this season. (Photo Credit: Omeruo/Instagram)

Omeruo played a pivotal role the last time Nigeria lifted the AFCON in 2013 and is favourite to replace the injured Troost-Ekong.

The Kasimpasa man remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders and consistent performers in Europe having featured 16 times this season for the Super Lig club, with a goal and assist to his name. 

Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong will miss the Guinea-Bissau game.
Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong will miss the Guinea-Bissau game. | Imago

Bruno Onyemaechi

The 24-year-old came into the tournament as one of Jose Peseiro’s trusted Eagles but is yet to play a single minute.

That could change against the Wild Dogs, however, with Porto left-back, Zaidu Sanusi, a major doubt for the crucial game at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

Bruno Onyemaechi could replace Zaidu Sanusi as a wingback.
Bruno Onyemaechi could replace Zaidu Sanusi as a wingback. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Sanusi was forced off against Ivory Coast in the previous game and did not train with the rest of the team ahead of the group finale. 

While some of these changes are forced, the potential changes indicate Peseiro, especially as seen from the last game, is willing to shuffle his pack tactically and make bold calls in seeking the win Nigeria badly needs.

Zaidu Sanusi is major doubt for the final game against the Wild Dogs.
Zaidu Sanusi is major doubt for the final game against the Wild Dogs. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Meanwhile, also watch out for senior man, Kelechi Iheanacho, who is also another superstar who could make his first appearance in the competition against Guinea-Bissau.

Related content

Tags: