Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Tuesday. The loss leaves Nigeria with little room for error in a tricky Group L campaign. The match took place at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, where Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé, and Djalo scored for the hosts. This was the first defeat of the qualifying series for Eric Chelle's side.
The Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday. However, they struggled to impose themselves in the first half against Guinea-Bissau, with the hosts taking the lead in the 15th minute through Djú. Mama Baldé had an opportunity to increase the lead in the 37th minute but sent his effort over the bar. Djú also came close to scoring a second before the break.
Nigeria began the second half with greater urgency, and Moses Simon and Moses Usor combined to create an opportunity shortly after the restart. Simon's cross found Usor, but the forward's effort was too tame to trouble Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadje. Simon also tested the goalkeeper with an attempt from Usor's header, but Nigeria could not convert their improved spell into an equaliser.
The hosts punished the visitors in the 66th minute when Baldé doubled their advantage, leaving the Super Eagles facing an uphill task. Chelle introduced further attacking options in search of a way back into the contest. However, Nigeria failed to find a response as Guinea-Bissau added another goal in stoppage time for a valuable victory.
The defeat complicates Nigeria's qualification campaign, particularly with the group offering only one automatic ticket beyond co-hosts Tanzania. Guinea-Bissau, who also defeated Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture, have now strengthened their position in the race for the remaining place. For Nigeria, the loss raises the stakes ahead of their remaining Group L matches.
Having surrendered the opportunity to build on their opening-day victory, the Super Eagles must now regroup and deliver more consistent performances to keep their qualification hopes on track. The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, will need to find a way to motivate his team to secure the necessary wins.
The Super Eagles will look to bounce back from this defeat in their future matches. With Tanzania already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar are competing for the group's only remaining automatic qualifying spot. The competition in Group L is fierce, and Nigeria will need to perform well to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
- The loss complicates Nigeria's qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON.
- Guinea-Bissau strengthened their position in the race for the remaining qualifying spot.
