The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau.
Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo scored the goals that sealed Nigeria’s defeat at the hands of the Djutus, denting the country’s AFCON qualification bid.
Coach Eric Chelle made several changes from the slim win over Madagascar, with Taiwo Awoniyi starting upfront ahead of George Ilenikhana, Frank Onyeka coming into midfield, and Bright Osayi-Samuel preferred over Ola Aina at right back.
Early warning signs saw Stanley Nwabali, the Nigerian goalkeeper, clear the defensive lines in the opening exchanges, but the hosts eventually took the lead on 15 minutes when Dju created space on the edge of the box and curled expertly into the bottom far corner with Nwabali rooted to the spot.
Despite a flurry of changes for Nigeria, it was Guinea-Bissau who threatened, and although Nwabali kept the hosts from doubling their lead with a low save, he could not prevent the inevitable on 66 minutes.
Balde got the better of Osayi-Samuel to enter the penalty area before slotting into the bottom corner to double the lead.
Nigeria continued to seek a way back into the match but were undone deep in added time by Djalo, who danced into the penalty area before slotting into the net to seal a well-deserved victory.
It is the second time the Djutus have defeated the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifiers, repeating the surprising win they earned in Abuja in 2023 for a second-ever victory in five meetings.
Guinea-Bissau now lead Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria are second with three points.
