The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday.
The Independent Mirror reports that Franculino Dju, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored the goals that secured Guinea-Bissau’s victory over Nigeria, dealing a blow to the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualification campaign.
Coach Eric Chelle made several changes to the team that secured a narrow victory over Madagascar, with Taiwo Awoniyi starting in attack ahead of George Ilenikhena. Frank Onyeka came into midfield, while Bright Osayi-Samuel was preferred to Ola Aina at right-back.
Guinea-Bissau made a bright start, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to clear the danger on several occasions.
However, the hosts took the lead in the 15th minute when Dju created space on the edge of the penalty area before curling a superb effort into the bottom corner, leaving Nwabali rooted to the spot.
Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Guinea-Bissau continued to threaten. Nwabali produced a low save to prevent the hosts from doubling their advantage, but he was beaten again in the 66th minute.
Baldé got the better of Osayi-Samuel before entering the penalty area and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
The Super Eagles continued to search for a way back into the match but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Guinea-Bissau then sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Djaló danced into the Nigerian penalty area before finishing calmly to make it 3-0.
The result marks the second time Guinea-Bissau have defeated Nigeria in AFCON qualifying, following their surprise victory in Abuja in 2023. It was also their second victory in five meetings between the two nations.
The victory puts Guinea-Bissau top of Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria remain second with three points.
