Guinea-Bissau shock Nigeria with 3-0 defeat in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a damaging setback in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign after Guinea-Bissau secured a convincing 3-0 victory in Bissau on Tuesday. According to Vanguard News, Franculino Dju opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage in the second half. Álvaro Djaló then completed the victory with a stoppage-time strike.

Nigeria struggled to impose themselves throughout the match, with Guinea-Bissau looking more threatening on the counter-attack and repeatedly exposing gaps in the Super Eagles’ defence. Dju gave the hosts the lead by curling an effort into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unable to prevent the opener. Ademola Lookman tested Djoco Embadje before the interval, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser.

Eric Chelle attempted to change the momentum after the break by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor. However, Baldé extended Guinea-Bissau’s lead in the 66th minute with a composed finish after cutting in from the left. Nigeria responded with further substitutions, including Tolu Arokodare, Victor Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika. Ilenikhena came closest to reducing the deficit, but Embadje produced an important save to deny the youngster.

Djaló’s late goal completed a miserable evening for the Super Eagles. The result leaves Nigeria with further work to do in Group L. With Tanzania already guaranteed a place as one of the AFCON 2027 co-hosts, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau remain involved in the battle for the group’s remaining qualification place.