AFCON Qualifiers: Eric Chelle Opens On Major Setback Ahead Of Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has identified limited training time as a major setback ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in their second Group L fixture of the qualifying campaign, just four days after their opening match against Madagascar.

Chelle said the congested FIFA international window has made it difficult for his technical team to give the players enough tactical preparation between matches.

According to the coach, the team had only a small number of sessions available for tactical work after the opening fixture, with additional time required for recovery and travel.

“We didn’t have enough training sessions to work a lot. This is the problem with this kind of FIFA window,” Chelle said ahead of the match.

He explained that teams often have only one or two sessions to prepare for a game before another period is required for recovery, followed by travel to the next venue.

Nigeria arrived in Bissau on Sunday after completing preparations in Uyo following their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar.

The Super Eagles initially fell behind against Madagascar before George Ilenikhena scored in first-half stoppage time to level the game. Moses Usor then completed the comeback in the second half to give Nigeria all three points.

However, Chelle admitted that the performance against Madagascar was not perfect, despite Nigeria securing the desired result.

The coach also faces selection concerns ahead of the Guinea-Bissau encounter. Ilenikhena, who scored on his international debut against Madagascar, was reported to be carrying a fitness concern, while two or three other players were also dealing with illness.

Victor Osimhen is already unavailable for the two September qualifiers as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

Guinea-Bissau also began their qualifying campaign with a victory, making Tuesday’s encounter important for both teams as they seek to strengthen their position in Group L.

With limited preparation time and fitness concerns within the squad, Chelle will have to make tactical and selection decisions before Nigeria’s second qualifying fixture.