Nigeria face a fitness dilemma ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, with debutant George Ilenikhena doubtful and several other players dealing with health or fitness concerns. Ilenikhena became an instant hero after scoring Nigeria’s equaliser on his senior international debut in Friday’s 2–1 comeback win……
Nigeria face a fitness dilemma ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, with debutant George Ilenikhena doubtful and several other players dealing with health or fitness concerns.
Ilenikhena became an instant hero after scoring Nigeria’s equaliser on his senior international debut in Friday’s 2–1 comeback win over Madagascar, but head coach Éric Chelle has raised doubts over his availability for the Group L clash.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Chelle revealed that the 20-year-old forward was carrying a minor issue and would undergo a final assessment before the team decides whether he can play.
“ We have to manage George. Maybe he has a little something, so we have to manage him. We will see at the last training session,” Chelle said.
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The coach also disclosed that two or three other players are sick, adding another layer of uncertainty to his selection plans without identifying the affected players or providing details of their conditions.
Ilenikhena is joined on the injury watch by Akor Adams, who trained away from the rest of the squad following the victory over Madagascar. Reports indicate that the striker may have sustained a knock.
Both Ilenikhena and Adams featured from the start in Nigeria’s opening Group L fixture, but their availability for the trip to Bissau remains unclear.
The fitness concerns leave Chelle with attacking decisions to make, particularly with Victor Osimhen already ruled out of the September international window due to injury.
Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare remain available as alternative options, while Moses Usor could also be considered after marking his Super Eagles debut with the winning goal against Madagascar.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both began their qualifying campaigns with victories. The Super Eagles recovered from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2–1 in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau secured a 2–0 away victory over Tanzania.
Both teams therefore head into Tuesday’s encounter with three points, making the meeting in Bissau an early opportunity for either side to strengthen its position in Group L.
Chelle’s immediate task, however, will be establishing which members of his squad are fit enough to feature when the Super Eagles face the Djurtus at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.
Match: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers – Group L
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Venue: Estádio 24 de Setembro, Bissau
Kick-off: 5:00pm Nigerian time
