Guinea-Bissau head coach Emiliano Té has conceded that the playing surface at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro is below standard, but insists it will not be an excuse when the Djurtus host Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau today.

Speaking at the pre-match interview, Té acknowledged the pitch’s condition. “We are playing in Africa and we know that our pitch is not one of the best, but it is what it is. It is what we have and we cannot do anything about it,” he said.

The coach added that the hosts are no fans of the surface either, but that the weather is out of their hands. “We also don’t like to play on it the way it is now, but we can’t control that because it is raining and they try their best to make it good,” Té said.

The Group L clash kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time, with both sides level on three points after winning their opening fixtures. Guinea-Bissau top the table on goal difference after a 2-0 away win over Tanzania, while Nigeria arrive on the back of a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

The pitch has been a talking point in the build-up. Super Eagles coach, Éric Chelle declined to describe it as either good or bad, saying his team would focus on its own game plan and judge how it could play after training on it.

The Nigerian squad completed its official session at the venue on Monday evening, with all 24 invited players taking part.

Té, a Bissau-born former defensive midfielder who took charge of the national team in 2025, will lean on a squad built largely around players based abroad. Galatasaray’s Renato Nhaga, Brest forward Mama Baldé, Trabzonspor attacker Franculino Djú and former Everton striker Beto are among the names expected to feature. Djú and Baldé scored in the win over Tanzania.

The Djurtus also have history on their side. They beat Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja during qualifying for the 2023 AFCON, though the Super Eagles won the return leg in Bissau by the same scoreline. Chelle has his own selection concerns, with George Ilenikhena, who scored his first senior goal against Madagascar, facing a late fitness test.

Ethiopian referee Tewodros Mitiku will officiate the match. With Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar all chasing qualification, since co-hosts Tanzania have already secured their place, every point carries extra weight.

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