Worst Decision Made By Super Eagles Coach In The Starting Lineup Today

According to a report by Flashscore on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Super Eagles are facing Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Nigeria looking to build on their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar. Flashscore reported that George Ilenikhena played a decisive role in that opening match, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser on his international debut.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding today’s lineup is the decision to leave Ilenikhena on the bench and start Taiwo Awoniyi instead.

Ilenikhena showed against Madagascar that he can offer Nigeria an option in attack even without Victor Osimhen. The youngster was involved from the start, went close on multiple occasions and eventually scored the equaliser before being replaced late in the game. Flashscore also reported that he continued to pose a threat before Eric Chelle eventually substituted him for Awoniyi.

With Osimhen unavailable, giving Ilenikhena another start would have allowed the coach to build on the confidence he gained from his impressive debut. His movement and ability to get into dangerous positions could have been useful against Guinea-Bissau.

Another major selection decision is the omission of Samuel Chukwueze from the starting XI. Chukwueze was involved in Nigeria’s attacking play against Madagascar and produced a dangerous cross that created an opportunity for Ilenikhena before he was substituted.

Leaving him out means Nigeria start without a natural right-winger in the XI. Lookman is capable of operating from the right, but Chukwueze provides a different type of threat with his pace, width, dribbling and ability to deliver crosses.

There is also the decision to retain Lookman despite his relatively quiet performance against Madagascar, before he was eventually replaced by Tolu Arokodare in the closing stages.

With Nigeria needing another strong attacking display, these decisions will be closely watched when the Super Eagles take on Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

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