Guinea-Bissau punish Nigeria to move top of AFCON qualifying Group L

Guinea-Bissau secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Nigeria to move clear at the top of Group L in qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.

Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored for the Djurtus, who followed their opening 2–0 win against Tanzania with another three points. The result was Nigeria’s first defeat of the qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles arrived in Bissau after recovering from a goal down to beat Madagascar 2–1 in Uyo, but Eric Chelle’s team could not reproduce that performance.

Guinea-Bissau made the brighter start and took the lead in the 15th minute. Franculino Dju created room for himself before curling an excellent finish into the far corner, beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria tried to respond, with Ademola Lookman posing a threat in attack, but the visitors struggled to produce clear chances before the interval.

Chelle made two changes at half-time, sending on Moses Usor and Moses Simon as Nigeria attempted to get back into the match.

The Super Eagles showed greater attacking intent after the restart, although Guinea-Bissau continued to look dangerous when breaking forward.

The hosts extended their advantage in the 66th minute. Mama Balde cut in from the left and found the net with a composed finish to give Nigeria a two-goal deficit. Balde had also scored in Guinea-Bissau’s opening victory against Tanzania.

Chelle responded by introducing Tolu Arokodare, while George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika were later brought on as Nigeria searched for a route back into the contest.

Nigeria could not find a way through, and Guinea-Bissau added a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Alvaro Djalo converted from close range to complete the victory.

The result was Guinea-Bissau’s second win against Nigeria in AFCON qualifying. Their previous success came during the 2023 qualifying campaign, when they recorded a notable 1–0 victory in Abuja.

Nigeria remain on three points from two matches, while Guinea-Bissau have six points and sit at the summit of Group L.

The qualification picture is unusual because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. The other teams in Group L are therefore competing for the additional qualifying place.

Nigeria began the campaign with a 2–1 comeback against Madagascar. Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored after Ehsan Kari had put Madagascar ahead, but the Super Eagles were unable to recover in Bissau as defensive lapses allowed Guinea-Bissau to claim all three points.

Guinea-Bissau 3–0 Nigeria
Guinea-Bissau: Franculino Dju 15′, Mama Balde 66′, Alvaro Djalo 90+5′
Nigeria: No goals

Nigeria’s next fixture is an international friendly against Russia on 6 October 2026 in Nizhny Novgorod.