Guinea-Bissau stunned Nigeria with a 3-0 victory in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Group L encounter at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday.
Key Highlights
- Franculino Djú opened the scoring for Guinea-Bissau in the 15th minute.
- Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage after the break.
- Álvaro Djaló completed the 3-0 victory in stoppage time.
- Nigeria struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities.
- The Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar.
- Guinea-Bissau had also won their opening fixture, beating Tanzania 2-0.
Guinea-Bissau took the lead in the 15th minute when Franculino Djú finished with his left foot after Renato Nhaga played him through on goal.
Nigeria attempted to respond before the interval, with Alex Iwobi creating an opportunity for Ademola Lookman. However, Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadjé made a timely save to preserve the hosts’ advantage.
The Djurtus continued to pose a threat after the restart and extended their lead in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé.
Baldé received a pass from Mamadi Camará on the left before firing a low effort beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle responded with a double substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika for Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi.
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The changes failed to produce an immediate turnaround as Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Guinea-Bissau defence.
Ilenikhena came close to reducing the deficit in the 85th minute, but Embadjé again made the save to deny the Nigerian forward.
Guinea-Bissau sealed the victory in stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló converted a through ball from Tamble Monteiro to complete a 3-0 win.
The defeat is a setback for Nigeria in the Group L qualification race. The Super Eagles had started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau began with a 2-0 away win over Tanzania.
Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. The remaining teams in Group L are competing for the qualifying place available to the highest-ranked non-host nation.
Nigeria will now need positive results in their remaining Group L fixtures as the Super Eagles continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
