Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign suffered a major setback on Tuesday as Guinea-Bissau produced a stunning 3-0 victory over the Super Eagles in Bissau.
The result delivered a huge blow to Nigeria’s hopes of maintaining a perfect start in Group L, while Guinea-Bissau strengthened their position at the top of the section.
The Super Eagles arrived at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro looking to make it two wins from two after opening their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Instead, Eric Chelle’s side were outplayed by a confident Guinea-Bissau team that took advantage of home conditions and punished Nigeria’s mistakes.
The Djurtus had already made a strong statement in their opening fixture, defeating Tanzania 2-0 away from home. That result gave the hosts confidence heading into a meeting with a Nigeria side that had previously enjoyed a strong record against them.
Nigeria had won three of their previous four official senior meetings with Guinea-Bissau, including a 1-0 victory at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. However, past results counted for little once the two sides stepped onto the pitch in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau came into the contest level with Nigeria on three points after both teams won their opening Group L fixtures. Nigeria had needed a second-half comeback to overcome Madagascar, while Guinea-Bissau had recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over Tanzania.
The hosts quickly showed they were not prepared to sit back.
Their attacking pressure eventually produced the breakthrough, with Franculino Djú among the players who had already made an impact in Guinea-Bissau’s opening victory over Tanzania. Mama Baldé had also scored in that game, underlining the attacking threat Nigeria needed to contain.
Nigeria struggled to impose the control expected from a team featuring several established international stars.
The Super Eagles were unable to find a response as Guinea-Bissau continued to threaten, and the hosts eventually turned their advantage into a commanding lead.
By the latter stages, Nigeria were chasing the game and leaving spaces for Guinea-Bissau to exploit. The Djurtus capitalised again to complete a 3-0 victory and send the home supporters into celebration.
The defeat represents a dramatic change in momentum for Nigeria. Chelle’s side had begun the campaign with a comeback win over Madagascar, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring to overturn Ehsan Kari’s early opener.
This time, however, there was no comeback.
Nigeria’s attack failed to produce the goals needed to rescue the contest, while the defence was repeatedly exposed by a Guinea-Bissau side playing with greater confidence as the match progressed.
The result also gives Guinea-Bissau a significant early advantage in the Group L race. Before this fixture, both teams had three points, with Guinea-Bissau leading Nigeria on goal difference after their respective opening victories.
For the Super Eagles, attention will now turn to the remaining fixtures and the response required after one of their most damaging qualifying defeats in recent years.
The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the qualifying campaign determining the remaining places at the tournament. Tanzania’s status as a host means the other teams in Group L are competing for the available qualifying position.
Nigeria now have work to do.
A campaign that began with optimism following victory over Madagascar has suddenly become far more complicated after Guinea-Bissau delivered a statement performance on home soil.
The Super Eagles will need a strong response in their next qualifying assignment if they are to regain control of their AFCON 2027 campaign.
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