Nigeria suffer 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in AFCON qualifying
Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign suffered a setback after Guinea-Bissau won 3-0 in Bissau. Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Alvaro Djalo scored for the hosts, leaving Guinea-Bissau top of Group D with six points from two matches and Nigeria on three.
Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, losing ground in the early stages of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles had opened their Group D campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday. They travelled to Guinea-Bissau seeking a second win, but the hosts produced the more effective performance and secured maximum points.
Trabzonspor forward Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the first half. He cut inside before curling a shot into the bottom corner beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Captain Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage after the break, beating Bright Osayi-Samuel before finishing past Nwabali.
Alvaro Djalo added the third goal late in the match as Guinea-Bissau completed a convincing victory. Nigeria made three changes to the team that defeated Madagascar. Frank Onyeka, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Taiwo Awoniyi came into the starting line-up, replacing Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and George Ilenikhena.
The changes did not produce the improvement sought by coach Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles struggled to control midfield and found it difficult to create a sustained response after conceding. Victor Osimhen missed the match through injury, while Ilenikhena was unable to start because of fitness concerns.
Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Awoniyi led the attack, but Nigeria failed to make a decisive impact. Guinea-Bissau now have six points from their first two matches, while Nigeria remain on three. Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, are already guaranteed a place, according to the report.
Nigeria therefore face increased pressure when the qualifiers resume in November.
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