Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match in Bissau on Tuesday.
Franculino Dju gave the hosts the lead in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage midway through the second half. Álvaro Djaló completed the rout in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
The result marked a frustrating outing for Nigeria, who struggled to create clear opportunities while Guinea-Bissau repeatedly threatened on the counter-attack.
Guinea-Bissau Strike First
Guinea-Bissau took control after Dju opened the scoring in the 15th minute. The forward curled a well-placed effort into the far corner, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with little chance of making the save.
The Super Eagles tried to respond, with Ademola Lookman testing goalkeeper Djoco Embadje during the first half.
However, Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams were unable to find a way through as the hosts protected their lead until the break.
Baldé Doubles Hosts’ Advantage
Nigeria made two changes at half-time, bringing on Moses Simon and Moses Usor as coach Eric Chelle looked for a response.
The changes did little to alter the pattern of the match, however, and Guinea-Bissau extended their lead in the 66th minute.
Baldé cut in from the left before curling a composed finish beyond Nwabali to make it 2-0.
Chelle then turned to his bench again, introducing Tolu Arokodare, Victor Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria attempted to rescue the game.
Ilenikhena came close to reducing the deficit when he found an opening at close range, but Embadje produced an excellent save to deny the young forward.
Djaló Seals Heavy Defeat
Guinea-Bissau remained organised as Nigeria pushed forward, keeping the Super Eagles from finding the breakthrough they needed.
The hosts eventually put the result beyond doubt when Djaló scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time, completing a 3-0 victory with virtually the final kick of the game.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with ground to make up in Group L after the Super Eagles began their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a win.
Guinea-Bissau now take momentum from a convincing home victory, while Nigeria face a tougher path in their bid to secure the group’s remaining qualification place.
Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027, already have a place at the tournament, leaving Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau competing for the group’s other qualification spot.
