Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side struggled to reproduce the fight that saw them come from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo four days earlier, with Franculino, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo getting on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Here are five key takeaways from the disappointing defeat.
Related Post
1. Super Eagles struggle in Bissau
It was a night to forget for Chelle’s men, who struggled to impose themselves on a game played in difficult conditions.
The weather and state of the pitch presented an obvious challenge, but Nigeria also failed to find the intensity and attacking rhythm required to trouble Guinea-Bissau for long periods.
The hosts grew in confidence as the game progressed and ultimately punished the Super Eagles’ lack of control.
2. Another early concession hurts Nigeria
Nigeria started with some promising moments, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Ademola Lookman both getting opportunities in the opening stages.
However, the Super Eagles were behind after just 15 minutes when Franculino raced onto a long pass before cutting inside Bruno Onyemaechi and curling his effort beyond Stanley Nwabali.
It was another early setback for Chelle’s side after Madagascar also took the lead in Uyo.
While Nigeria recovered to win that game, they never produced a similar response in Bissau.
3. Super Eagles lose ground in the qualification race
The defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two Group L fixtures, while Guinea-Bissau have now collected six points from six available.
With Tanzania automatically qualified as co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are effectively battling for the remaining qualification place.
The Super Eagles therefore have little room for another slip-up when the qualifiers resume in November.
4. Nigeria’s toothlessness without Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s absence was once again felt as Nigeria struggled to turn possession and promising positions into clear chances.
Awoniyi was handed his first Super Eagles start in almost three years, while Akor Adams also started after featuring against Madagascar.
Neither striker was able to provide the cutting edge required against a Guinea-Bissau defence that became increasingly comfortable as the match wore on.
George Ilenikhena brought more urgency after coming on in the second half and forced a save from Fernando Embadjé, but Nigeria were already facing a difficult task by then.
5. Madagascar comeback now looks increasingly fortunate
Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar had appeared to provide the perfect start to Chelle’s AFCON qualifying campaign.
However, the contrasting performance in Bissau has raised fresh questions about just how convincing that result really was.
The Super Eagles conceded first in both games and were forced to fight their way back against Madagascar after a sluggish opening.
Against Guinea-Bissau, they failed to produce the same response and instead collapsed to a three-goal defeat.
The difference in the two results leaves the Madagascar comeback looking less like evidence of Nigeria’s strength and more like a result that may have masked problems Chelle’s side still need to address.
