Nigeria suffer 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in PAMOJA 2027 qualifier

Guinea-Bissau strengthened their position at the top of Group L in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series with a 3-0 victory over Nigeria in Bissau on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles were beaten at the 24 September Stadium, where the Djurtus made a fast and confident start and took control of the match with three well-taken goals.

The hosts created the first clear opening in the 10th minute, breaking through the Nigeria defence before goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali intervened to prevent the move from producing a goal.

Guinea-Bissau did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Five minutes later, Franciluno Dju moved in from the right, cut inside Bruno Onyemaechi and fired beyond Nwabali to put the home side ahead.

Dju continued to threaten before the interval and went close to adding another in the 42nd minute. The forward worked his way into the Nigeria penalty area but sent his effort over the crossbar with only Nwabali to beat.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle responded at half-time by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor. The changes gave the Super Eagles more attacking impetus, but they were unable to convert their opportunities.

Usor, who scored on his Nigeria debut against Madagascar in Uyo four days earlier, saw his attempt saved in the 50th minute. Three minutes later, Simon tested the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper from close range, although the effort lacked the power to cause serious difficulty.

Nwabali kept the deficit to one in the 56th minute when he pushed away a fierce close-range shot from Dju. However, the goalkeeper was beaten again nine minutes later.

Mama Balde finished a flowing Djurtus attack that had opened up the Nigeria defence, placing the ball out of Nwabali’s reach to double Guinea-Bissau’s advantage.

Nigeria pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest, leaving space behind them. In the fifth minute of added time, Alvario Djalo completed the scoring with a composed finish.

The result leaves Nigeria second in Group L, three points behind Guinea-Bissau. Only one team will qualify from the group.

Madagascar and Tanzania remain on one point apiece after drawing 1-1 in Meknes, Morocco, on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles will next face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at home in Uyo on 13th November. They will then travel to Dar es Salaam to meet the same opponents again in their Day 4 fixture on 17th November.

Flamingos return with WAFU-B title

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, arrived back in the country on Tuesday night with the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup.

Members of the Nigeria Football Federation Management and staff welcomed the team at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Among those present were NFF Director of Protocol Barnabas Joro, Director of Marketing & Sponsorship Alizor Chuks, Head of Audit & Compliance Margaret Magai and Assistant Director Legal Services Queen Otarakpo.