GUINEA-Bissau have a mountain to climb as they confront Nigeria on Wednesday night.
The small West African nation of around 1.6 million people will not only be looking to bag a second-round ticket, but they are also aiming to end an unenviable record.
In the first-ever clash against Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Guinea-Bissau will be targeting their first-ever win in the tournament.
The Djurtus are winless in their eight AFCON matches since making their debut in 2017, drawing three and losing five.
Only Benin Republic (14), Mozambique (12) and Namibia (nine) have played more games in the tournament without ever winning, according to Confederation of African Football records.
A historic win against the Super Eagles would also earn Guinea-Bissau a first-ever ticket to the knockout rounds, as they have never advanced beyond the group stages.
Getting this win is a tall order though as they are up against a Nigeria side that not only won their first two matches at the current AFCON but have won 11 of their last 13 fixtures in the competition and won each of their opening three matches back in 2006.
Incidentally, interim head coach Austin Eguavoen was also in charge of the Super Eagles at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt.
Also, Guinea-Bissau are yet to score in this AFCON despite attempting 16 shots in their two matches against Sudan and Egypt.
Overall, they have failed to score in their last six Africa Cup of Nations matches, and no nation has ever gone seven straight games without a goal in the competition’s history, CAF figures show.
If Taiwo Awoniyi plays against Guinea-Bissau, he will be expected to extend his lead as Nigeria’s top shooter.
The Union Berlin striker has attempted nine shots in Cameroon, more than twice as many as any other Super Eagles player.
He has also had more touches in the opposition’s box than any other Nigeria player in their opening two matches of this edition (14).
