By Habeeb Ibrahim
Guinea-Bissau handed Nigeria’s Super Eagles a heavy 3-0 defeat on Tuesday in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Bissau.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, curling a left-footed effort beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria struggled to respond before half-time, with Guinea-Bissau maintaining their advantage into the break. Coach Eric Chelle introduced Moses Usor and Moses Simon at the start of the second half as the Super Eagles searched for an equaliser.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 65th minute through Mama Baldé, who finished from inside the box to put Guinea-Bissau firmly in control.
Nigeria came close to reducing the deficit late in the game when George Ilenikhena was denied by Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadjé in the 85th minute.
Álvaro Djaló then completed the victory for Guinea-Bissau in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sealing a 3-0 win at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium.
The result is particularly notable given Nigeria’s previous record against Guinea-Bissau. Before Tuesday’s match, the Super Eagles had won three of their four previous official meetings.
Nigeria defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, while the two sides exchanged 1-0 victories during the 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign. Nigeria also defeated Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at the 2023 AFCON finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
Guinea-Bissau had started the current qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania, while Nigeria began with a 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar in Uyo.
The latest result leaves Guinea-Bissau on six points from two matches, while Nigeria remain on three points in Group L.
The defeat is also Eric Chelle’s first since taking charge of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria will now look to bounce back in their next qualifying fixture as the race for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations continues.
