Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi is reportedly set to captain Nigeria when the Super Eagles face Guinea-Bissau in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
Iwobi is expected to take over the armband from Wilfred Ndidi, who captained Nigeria during their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, reports Soccernet.
The change would give Iwobi a greater leadership role as Nigeria face Bissau looking to maintain their winning start to the qualifying campaign.
Iwobi steps up after Madagascar impact
Iwobi played an important role in Nigeria’s comeback against Madagascar, providing the assist for George Ilenikhena’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time.
The forward marked his Super Eagles debut by converting Iwobi’s pass before Moses Usor completed the turnaround in the 65th minute, just four minutes after coming off the bench.
Iwobi’s expected appointment as captain comes with head coach Eric Chelle preparing for a difficult away fixture against a Guinea-Bissau side that also began the campaign with a victory.
The Djurtus defeated Tanzania 2-0 in Zanzibar, with Franculino Djú opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled their advantage in the second half.
Nigeria face key group clash
Tuesday’s match is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau.
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray striker suffered a right thigh muscle injury against Başakşehir. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
Chelle has 24 players available in camp as Nigeria seek another important result.
The Super Eagles also have positive memories of their previous visit to Bissau, having secured a 1-0 victory at the same stadium during the last AFCON qualifying cycle. Moses Simon scored the decisive goal on that occasion.
The qualifying equation is particularly significant because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
That leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the group’s remaining qualifying place.
A victory would move Nigeria to six points from two matches and give Chelle’s side an early advantage in the race for qualification.