Guinea-Bissau forwards Beto and Álvaro Djaló have expressed strong belief in beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria when both teams clash on matchday 2 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the 24 de Setembro Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off set for 5. p.m.

Beto, the Fiorentina striker, was an unused substitute as the Djurtus beat Tanzania 2-0 away from home in their opening match of the qualifiers, while Djaló came on in the second half for Franculino, who scored the opening goal.

Speaking after Sunday’s training session, Beto said the win over Tanzania has given the team confidence ahead of the clash against Nigeria but warned that Nigeria is a bigger threat than Tanzania as he called for full concentration.

“The victory against Tanzania gave confidence to the group, but the game against Nigeria will be completely different. We need to forget what has already happened and concentrate fully on this challenge, because it will be even more difficult. We have to raise our concentration and focus levels.”

Beto also acknowledged the quality of players in the Super Eagles but expressed confidence in the coaching staff and his teammates.

“We are taking this game very seriously, because we know that we will face a strong team, with players of great quality. However, our group is very well, confident and working intensely. We have been evolving game after game and I fully believe in the group, in the coaching staff and in our ability to make a good result.”

Athletic Bilbao winger Álvaro Djaló said the goal of the team is to win every match in the hope to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He also highlighted the quality of players in the Nigerian team but expressed confidence in getting maximum points against Nigeria.

“We hope to win the three points because our goal is to win every game. We are very confident and I feel the team is very motivated for this match against Nigeria,” Djaló said.

Guinea-Bissau lost their last meeting against Nigeria on home soil courtesy of Moses Simon’s 30th-minute penalty on matchday 4 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Tuesday’s meeting would be the fifth meeting between the two sides as the Super Eagles head into the tie with two consecutive victories over the hosts.

Mama Balde scored the sole goal in Guinea-Bissau’s only victory against Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium during the first leg of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.