Nigeria Players Abroad
Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualification hopes hit by 3-0 Guinea-Bissau defeat

The Super Eagles suffered a damaging 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group L match at the September 24 Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday night.
The result increases the pressure on Nigeria’s bid to reach the finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It followed a laboured 2-1 home win over Madagascar’s Barea, leaving Eric Chelle’s side with further questions to answer about their form and performances.
Nigeria’s attack lacks a cutting edge
Nigeria’s considerable attacking options failed to produce an effective threat in the final third.
Former African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi all struggled to influence the game, with the forwards unable to create the decisive moments the Super Eagles needed.
Chelle attempted to change the course of the match by introducing Moses Simon, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena after the interval. However, the substitutions did not bring the creativity or attacking understanding required to unsettle the hosts.
Bassey and Iwobi provide rare positives
Fulham pair Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were among the few Nigeria players to emerge with credit from a difficult evening.
Bassey was composed and strong in defence, handling the threat from Guinea-Bissau’s forwards while also making useful contributions when Nigeria moved forward.
Iwobi was influential in midfield, using his vision and creativity to help Nigeria progress the ball. The former Arsenal midfielder regularly looked for openings and attempted to unlock the home defence.
Conditions hinder Nigeria’s passing game
The state of the pitch at the September 24 Stadium made it difficult for the Super Eagles to play with their usual rhythm.
Several of Nigeria’s Europe-based players, more familiar with well-maintained pitches, struggled to impose a controlled passing game on the uneven surface. Maintaining possession, controlling the ball and delivering accurate passes proved difficult, while attacks frequently lacked fluency.
Chelle’s team also had to deal with harsh weather conditions in Bissau, adding to the problems created by the playing surface.
Full-backs exposed
Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi endured particularly challenging matches as Guinea-Bissau’s quick and direct forwards repeatedly attacked from wide areas.
Onyemaechi was beaten by Trabzonspor striker Franculino Dju for the opening goal, while Osayi-Samuel was beaten by Guinea-Bissau captain Mama Balde for the second.
The full-backs were often left without adequate defensive cover from the wingers, forcing them into repeated one-on-one situations against the hosts’ attackers.
Guinea-Bissau show greater intensity
The Djurtus displayed more urgency, aggression and determination throughout the contest, despite facing the same difficult weather and poor pitch.
Guinea-Bissau, ranked 132nd in the FIFA rankings, competed strongly for possession and made better use of the opportunities that came their way.
Nigeria’s defence struggled to deal with the pace, direct running and skill of the home forwards, who applied consistent pressure and ultimately secured a convincing victory.
