Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their Group L qualifier in Bissau.
The defeat was Nigeria’s first of the qualifying campaign and left Eric Chelle’s side on three points after two matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after recording their second consecutive victory.
The hosts made a bright start and took the lead in the 15th minute through Franculino Djú.
After receiving the ball following good work from Renato Nhaga, Djú cut into the Nigerian penalty area before firing past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria struggled to impose themselves during the opening half, while Guinea-Bissau looked dangerous on the counter.
The hosts went into the break with their 1-0 advantage intact.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half with greater urgency and created opportunities to level the scores.
Moses Simon and Moses Usor combined to create one promising opening, but Usor could not seriously trouble Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadje. Simon also tested the goalkeeper as Nigeria searched for an equaliser.
Instead, Guinea-Bissau doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé, who finished a quick attacking move past Nwabali.
Chelle responded with attacking substitutions as Nigeria pushed forward in search of a comeback, but the Super Eagles were unable to breach the hosts’ defence.
With Nigeria committing more players forward, Guinea-Bissau found spaces late in the game, and Álvaro Djaló struck in stoppage time to complete the 3-0 victory.
The result came just four days after Nigeria had recovered from an early deficit to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring for the Super Eagles.
Confédération Africaine de Football
Following the defeat, Chelle identified a lack of aggression, difficult environmental conditions and the greater motivation of the Guinea-Bissau players among the factors that contributed to Nigeria’s performance.
The loss was also the first competitive regulation-time defeat of Chelle’s tenure as Super Eagles head coach.
The qualification picture in Group L has now become more demanding for Nigeria. Guinea-Bissau sit on six points from two matches, while Nigeria have three. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, has already secured its place in the finals, meaning the remaining teams in the group are competing for the additional qualifying spot.
