Nigeria suffer heaviest AFCON qualifying defeat in 36 years

Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau has ended a 36-year record for the Super Eagles and marked their heaviest loss in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying history.

The three-time African champions had not lost a competitive match to an African opponent by three clear goals since Algeria defeated them 5-1 at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria had endured other damaging qualifying results, including a 3-2 home defeat by Congo in 2014 that contributed to their failure to qualify for the 2015 tournament. However, Tuesday’s loss in Bissau was the first time they had conceded three goals without reply in an AFCON qualifier.

The previous three-goal defeat came on 2 March 1990 in Algiers. Rabah Madjer and Djamel Menad both scored twice, while Djamel Amani also found the net. Nigeria’s only response came from Jay-Jay Okocha in the 82nd minute.

The result also ended Eric Chelle’s unbeaten competitive start as Nigeria coach in regulation time and gave Guinea-Bissau a second consecutive victory in Group L.

The Djurtus began their campaign with a 2-0 win against Tanzania, while Nigeria had opened with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

Guinea-Bissau take control of Group L

Guinea-Bissau took the lead at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro after 15 minutes. Renato Nhaga found Franculino Dju, who moved inside before curling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria had an opportunity to respond in the 14th minute when Alex Iwobi played Ademola Lookman through, but goalkeeper Fernando Embadje kept out the forward’s shot. Frank Onyeka later struck the side-netting as Nigeria struggled to turn their possession into clear chances.

Chelle introduced Moses Usor and Moses Simon at half-time, but Guinea-Bissau extended their advantage in the 66th minute.

Mamadi Camara supplied Mama Balde, who beat Bright Osayi-Samuel before driving a low shot past Nwabali.

George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika were brought on in the 75th minute as Nigeria attempted to recover. Ilenikhena came close in the 85th minute, but his effort was saved by Embadje.

Guinea-Bissau then sealed their biggest-ever victory over Nigeria when Alvaro Djalo completed a swift counter-attack in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The Djurtus lead Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria have three. Tanzania have already secured a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the group’s remaining qualifying place.