Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, leaving the Nigerian side with three points from their opening two matches.
The match was played at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with Franculino Dju, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring for the hosts.
The result was a major setback for Nigeria after the Super Eagles had opened their qualifying campaign with a victory over Madagascar.
Guinea-Bissau Take Early Lead
Guinea-Bissau started strongly and took the lead in the 15th minute through Franculino Dju.
Dju received the ball from Renato Nhaga before producing a left-footed finish into the far corner, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with little chance of stopping the attempt.
Nigeria tried to respond before halftime, but the Super Eagles struggled to turn their possession into clear opportunities.
One of their best chances came when Alex Iwobi created an opening for Ademola Lookman, but the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper produced an important save to keep his side ahead.
Nigeria therefore went into halftime trailing 1-0.
Second Goal Increases Pressure
Head coach Eric Chelle attempted to change the direction of the match after the break by making substitutions.
Moses Simon and Moses Usor were introduced as Nigeria looked for an equaliser.
However, instead of producing the desired response, Nigeria conceded again.
Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute after cutting inside from the left before beating the advancing Nwabali.
At 2-0, Nigeria were forced to take more risks as they attempted to get back into the match.
That created more space for the hosts to attack.
Djaló Completes 3-0 Victory
Nigeria continued searching for a goal, but Guinea-Bissau remained dangerous on the counter.
The Super Eagles had another opportunity late in the match when George Ilenikhena attempted to finish from close range.
Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadje reacted quickly to keep the ball out.
The hosts then delivered the final blow in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Álvaro Djaló scored to make it 3-0, completing a result that gave Guinea-Bissau maximum points and left Nigeria facing a significant deficit in the group.
Nigeria’s Position in Group L
The defeat means Nigeria remain on three points after two matches.
Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, moved to six points after winning their opening two fixtures.
Nigeria’s first match had ended in a victory over Madagascar, but the heavy defeat in Bissau has changed the early picture in Group L.
The Super Eagles now need to recover points in their remaining fixtures if they are to finish in the qualification position available to them.
Tanzania’s status as one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027 also affects the structure of the group, leaving the remaining sides competing for qualification.
Chelle Takes Responsibility
After the defeat, coach Eric Chelle apologised to Nigerians and acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the result.
He also referred to the condition of the pitch in Bissau but indicated that he would not use it as an excuse for the performance.
The result will inevitably lead to further discussion about Nigeria’s tactical approach, squad selection and finishing ability.
The Super Eagles made several changes to their starting lineup for the match, with Taiwo Awoniyi starting as the lone striker and Frank Onyeka coming into midfield.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also started at right-back in place of Ola Aina.
What Comes Next
Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifying matches will be important as the team attempts to recover from the setback.
The Super Eagles will need to collect points in the remaining fixtures against Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The heavy defeat also means Nigeria will have to improve their goal difference as the qualification campaign develops.
For Nigerian supporters, the 3-0 loss is particularly frustrating because the team had entered the match with an opportunity to build on its opening victory.
Instead, Guinea-Bissau took control of the group with another win.
Nigeria still have several matches remaining, meaning the qualification race is far from over, but the Super Eagles will need a much stronger response when the AFCON qualifiers resume.
