The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Tuesday night.
Nigeria struggled throughout the encounter at the September 24 Stadium in Bissau, with Guinea-Bissau taking control of the game and punishing the Super Eagles’ defensive lapses.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, giving Guinea-Bissau a 1-0 lead that they carried into the break.
⚽ Franculino Djú gives Guinea-Bissau the lead – Photo Credit : Bein Sports
The Super Eagles struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half and were unable to find a response as Guinea-Bissau remained the more dangerous side.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé. The Guinea-Bissau forward received the ball, dribbled past Bright Osayi-Samuel before curling a fine effort into the far corner to make it 2-0.
Mama Baldé scores a beautiful goal after dribbling past Bright Osayi-Samuel and curling his effort into the far corner. – Photo Credit : Bein Sports
Nigeria attempted to respond but continued to struggle in the final third, with several attacking moves breaking down before producing a clear opportunity on goal.
Guinea-Bissau then put the result beyond doubt in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló scored to make it 3-0.
90+5’
Guinea-Bissau 3-0 Nigeria – Photo Credit : Softfootball Media
The defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two matches, following their 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, move to the top of Group L with six points after winning both of their opening matches.
Group L Table After Two Matches
- Guinea-Bissau — 6 points (+5)
- Nigeria — 3 points (-2)
- Madagascar — 1 point (-1)
- Tanzania — 1 point (-2)
Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, meaning only one additional team from Group L will qualify through the group.
Nigeria’s performance in Bissau will raise questions over their tactical approach, starting lineup and inability to create and convert chances. The Super Eagles also struggled to deal with Guinea-Bissau’s attacking movements and defensive pressure.
The condition of the pitch was another major talking point during the match, with the playing surface appearing poor throughout the encounter and making ball control and passing difficult for both teams.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle apologised to Nigerian fans and accepted responsibility for the result.
I apologize to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side. The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibility,
Chelle said.
The result represents a major setback for Nigeria in their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles now needing to respond strongly in their next Group L fixture.
