Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday, September 29, leaving the Super Eagles with three points from their opening two Group L matches.
The defeat came just days after Nigeria recovered from a goal down to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo. Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, moved to the top of the group with six points from two matches.
Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau: How the Match Unfolded
Nigeria started the Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau clash looking to build on their opening victory against Madagascar.
However, the hosts took control early at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Franculino Djú received the ball inside the box before sending a left-footed effort beyond Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria created opportunities to equalise before half-time. Alex Iwobi found Ademola Lookman with a pass, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadjé produced an important save to preserve the hosts’ lead.
Guinea-Bissau Doubles the Lead
Nigeria made two changes at half-time as coach Eric Chelle introduced Moses Simon and Moses Usor in an attempt to change the direction of the game.
The Super Eagles continued searching for an equaliser, but Guinea-Bissau remained dangerous.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage in the 66th minute.
Mama Baldé received the ball from Mamadi Camará before producing a low finish to make it 2-0.
Nigeria then made further changes, with Tolu Arokodare and later George Ilenikhena coming into the attack as the Super Eagles searched for a way back into the match.
Nigeria Miss Chance to Pull One Back
Nigeria came close to reducing the deficit late in the game.
George Ilenikhena had an opportunity in the 85th minute, but Embadjé again denied the Nigerian forward.
Moses Simon also tried to create opportunities from the left side, while Alex Iwobi continued to look for openings.
Despite Nigeria’s attempts, Guinea-Bissau maintained their two-goal advantage.
Guinea-Bissau Add Third Goal
The hosts completed the Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau victory deep into stoppage time.
Álvaro Djaló scored in the 95th minute after receiving a pass from Tamble Monteiro, making it 3-0 and sealing Guinea-Bissau’s second win of the qualifying campaign.
The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s first defeat of the 2027 AFCON qualifying series.
What the Result Means for Nigeria
The Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau result leaves the Super Eagles with three points from two matches.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, while Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania before beating Nigeria.
CAF reported that Guinea-Bissau now have six points from their opening two matches and lead Group L, while Nigeria remain on three points.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the remaining qualification places in the group.
Eric Chelle Suffers First Defeat
The defeat was also Eric Chelle’s first loss as Nigeria’s head coach.
Chelle had begun his competitive campaign with the 2-1 victory over Madagascar, but the Super Eagles were unable to produce the same comeback against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will now need to regroup before the remaining matches in their AFCON qualifying campaign.
The return fixture against Guinea-Bissau is scheduled for March, meaning the Super Eagles will have another opportunity to face the Djurtus later in the qualification race.
Super Eagles Must Respond
The Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau defeat represents an early setback for the Super Eagles in their attempt to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria still has several matches remaining, but the three-goal defeat gives the team little room for further mistakes.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their remaining Group L fixtures as they attempt to recover from the loss and keep their AFCON qualification campaign on track.