Guinea-Bissau hand Super Eagles first qualifying loss with 3-0 win
Nigeria's Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, a result that leaves Eric Chelle's team with limited room for slip-ups in Group L.
At the Estádio 24 de Setembro, Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Djalo each found the net for the hosts, inflicting Nigeria's first loss of the qualifying series.
The outcome represents a significant blow for Nigeria, who had begun their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
Tanzania have already secured a place at the tournament as co-hosts, meaning Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are left to fight over the group's single remaining automatic qualification slot.
Guinea-Bissau took the lead in the 15th minute through Djú, placing the visitors under pressure from early on. The Super Eagles found it difficult to assert themselves during the first half, while the hosts looked capable of adding to their advantage on the counterattack.
In the 37th minute, Mama Baldé had a chance to extend the hosts' lead but lifted his attempt over the crossbar. Djú also went close to a second goal before the interval, dribbling past three Nigerian players only to send his shot narrowly over Stanley Nwabali's goal.
Nigeria reached half-time a goal down, with Chelle needing a reaction from his players.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half with more urgency, and Moses Simon and Moses Usor linked up to create an opening soon after the restart. Simon's cross picked out Usor, but the forward's shot lacked the power to trouble Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadje. Simon then tested the goalkeeper with an effort from Usor's header, yet Nigeria could not turn their improved spell into an equaliser.
Guinea-Bissau made the visitors pay in the 66th minute when Baldé struck to double their lead, leaving the Super Eagles with a difficult task.
Chelle brought on more attacking options as he sought a route back into the match, but Nigeria still could not respond, and Guinea-Bissau added a third goal in stoppage time to seal a valuable win.
The loss complicates Nigeria's qualification path, especially given that the group offers only one automatic ticket beyond co-hosts Tanzania. Guinea-Bissau, who also beat Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture, have strengthened their position in the race for that remaining place.
For Nigeria, the defeat raises the stakes for their remaining Group L fixtures. After failing to build on their opening-day win, the Super Eagles must now regroup and produce more consistent performances to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON.
to like, bookmark, and comment.
Comments
Join the conversation:
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.