Nigeria suffer costly 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in 2027 AFCON qualifying

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign suffered a major setback as the Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday.

Franculino Dju opened the scoring in the 15th minute at the Estadio 24 de Setembro, before Mama Balde added a second after 65 minutes. Alvaro Djalo completed the victory in stoppage time.

Fernando Embadje played a key role for the hosts, saving from Ademola Lookman before the interval and denying George Ilenikhena in the 85th minute.

The result leaves Nigeria under pressure in Group L, where only one qualification place is available apart from hosts Tanzania. Guinea-Bissau had already defeated Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar in Uyo.

With Guinea-Bissau now on six points from two matches and Nigeria on three, the Super Eagles have surrendered the early advantage they gained over Madagascar. Their fixtures in November have consequently taken on far greater importance.

Nigeria need greater control

The defeat exposed continuing problems in midfield and defence. Nigeria conceded against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, despite both opponents being outside the top 100 in FIFA’s rankings. Madagascar are ranked 104th and Guinea-Bissau 132nd.

Calvin Bassey worked hard across the back line in Bissau, but Nigeria’s midfield failed to provide sufficient protection. Dju and Balde were repeatedly able to find space and attack the defence.

Victor Osimhen’s absence through injury was also keenly felt. The striker has been Nigeria’s most established attacking reference point, but Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams were unable to unsettle Guinea-Bissau after starting the match.

Ilenikhena brought greater urgency when he replaced Adams in the 75th minute and tested Embadje nine minutes later, but the goalkeeper kept out his effort.

Several senior players were also unable to influence the game. Bright Osayi-Samuel struggled before being substituted in the 80th minute, while goalkeeper Nwabali was beaten three times.

Lookman had Nigeria’s clearest first-half opportunity, but Embadje saved his effort after a pass from Alex Iwobi. Once Guinea-Bissau took control, the Super Eagles lacked the leadership and creativity required from their experienced players.

First competitive defeat for Chelle

The result was the first regulation-time defeat in a competitive match during Eric Chelle’s time as Nigeria manager. The Franco-Malian coach had previously avoided losing in regulation time across the Super Eagles’ competitive fixtures.

It was also one of Nigeria’s most embarrassing recent competitive defeats and their worst against an opponent ranked so low. Guinea-Bissau were 132nd in FIFA’s July ranking, compared with Nigeria’s 26th – a gap of 106 places.

Chelle now faces his first significant competitive setback with Nigeria, while the Super Eagles must respond quickly after falling three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L.