We'll play for pride against Nigeria at Cup of Nations, says Guinea Bissau boss

Guinea Bissau coach Baciro Candé vowed on Sunday his players would play for pride in their final group stage match against Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea Bissau coach Baciro Candé says his team will play for pride during their final Group A match against Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. AP - Sunday Alamba

"We will do everything possible to have a positive result," said Candé.

"We know it will be difficult but everybody will see a strong Guinea Bissau."

Nigeria go into the clash at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Monday afternoon needing a draw to secure a place in the knockout stages following an opening round draw agaisnt Equatorial Guinea and a 1-0 win over the hosts Cote d'Ivoire. Guinea Bissau lost to Cote d'Ivoire 2-0 in the opening game of the tournament on 13 January and were swept aside 4-2 by Equatorial Guinea five days later.

Chance

"Everything is possibe," added Candé. "We know that Nigeria have quality and structure but we are confident."

Candé, 56, took over as coach of the national team in 2016 and steered the country to its first appearance at the Cup of Nations in 2017 in Gabon.

They qualified for the 2019 and 2021 competitions as well. But they have failed to win a match in all of their appearances.

Candé's Nigeria counterpart, Jose Peseiro, said his side would be vigilant. 

"Sometimes when you win you can be confident and then relax," explained Peseiro.

"But we must work to win against Guinea Bissau. All the teams are getting better and you have to show commitment and have a good performance.

Work

"If you don't do these things, any team can beat you. We know how important the game is."

Nigeria's victory over Cote d'Ivoire took them into second place in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea who lead on goal difference.

"I do believe the quality of Guinea Bissau has improved," added Peseiro. "Their players are growing and they are going to play well."

Nigeria entered the tournament as one of the favourites along with defending champions Senegal, the 2021 runners-up Egypt and World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.

"We have the squad and the capacity to win the tournament," said veteran Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo on the eve of the clash.

"But first we have to focus on Guinea Bissau."