Guinea-Bissau Shock Super Eagles 3-0 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday.

Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored in each half and deep into added time respectively to hand the Djutus a convincing victory and deal a blow to Nigeria’s qualification campaign.

Coach Eric Chelle made several changes to the team that narrowly defeated Madagascar, with Taiwo Awoniyi replacing George Ilenikhena in attack. Frank Onyeka was brought into midfield, while Bright Osayi-Samuel started at right-back ahead of Ola Aina.

Guinea-Bissau showed their attacking intent early, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to clear danger on several occasions. The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Dju created space on the edge of the box before curling a fine effort into the far bottom corner, leaving Nwabali unable to intervene.

Nigeria struggled to create a decisive response as Guinea-Bissau continued to threaten. Nwabali produced a low save to prevent the hosts from extending their advantage, but the pressure eventually paid off in the 66th minute.

Balde beat Osayi-Samuel to get into the Nigerian penalty area before calmly placing his effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. The Super Eagles continued searching for a route back into the game but could not find a breakthrough.

Guinea-Bissau completed the scoring deep into stoppage time when Djalo drove into the penalty area before slotting the ball into the net. The result marked the Djutus’ second victory over Nigeria in AFCON qualifying, following their 2023 win in Abuja, and their second win in five meetings with the Super Eagles. Guinea-Bissau now lead Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria remain second on three points.