Guinea-Bissau head coach Emiliano Té has sent a strong message to the Super Eagles ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau, insisting his side will not be intimidated by Nigeria’s reputation and array of European-based stars.
The Djurtus welcome Nigeria to the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro brimming with confidence after opening their Group L campaign with an impressive 2-0 away victory over Tanzania.
While Té openly acknowledges Nigeria’s superior pedigree and individual quality, the Guinea-Bissau tactician insists football matches are not decided by reputation.
“In football there are favourites, but there are never defeated teams before the game,” Té said while assessing the challenge posed by Nigeria.
The former Guinea-Bissau international has described the Super Eagles as a “reference team in Africa and in the world,” but believes his players have enough quality and determination to make life difficult for Éric Chelle’s men.
Té has also revealed that his technical crew have been studying Nigeria’s Europe-based players and analysing their strengths as part of preparations for the crucial encounter.
“The two teams know each other well, so it will be a very interesting game which we will face with great determination,” he said.
Guinea-Bissau’s confidence received a major boost after Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé fired them to a 2-0 victory over Tanzania, sending the Djurtus to the top of Group L on goal difference.
Nigeria also started their campaign with three points following a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, making Tuesday’s encounter an early battle for control of the group.
The Djurtus returned to Bissau after their Tanzania triumph and quickly switched attention to the Super Eagles, holding training at the match venue as Té fine-tuned his tactical plans.
Recent history will also strengthen the hosts’ belief.
Guinea-Bissau famously stunned Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign before the Super Eagles responded with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture.
Té, who has repeatedly urged his players to “dream big,” is determined to guide Guinea-Bissau back to the continental showpiece after they missed AFCON 2025.
With both teams entering Tuesday’s showdown on three points, the stakes are already high.
Nigeria may arrive as favourites, but Té’s message to the Super Eagles is clear: Guinea-Bissau will not surrender before kick-off.
