Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló punishing a Super Eagles side that struggled to respond after falling behind in the first half, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side had entered the AFCON 2027 qualifier with three points after beating Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, but the performance in Bissau was different as Guinea-Bissau controlled large periods of the game and added two more goals after the break.
Stanley Nwabali made several saves to keep Nigeria within reach, while the Super Eagles created chances through the likes of Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams. They could not convert them, however, and Djaló’s stoppage-time goal completed a damaging night for the visitors.
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Here are the Super Eagles player ratings from the 3-0 AFCON 2027 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
Stanley Nwabali – 6/10
Made several saves to keep Nigeria in the game, including stops from Dálcio, Franculino and Mama Baldé. Had little chance with the three goals.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 5.5/10
Worked hard on the right but offered little going forward. His late corner concession added to a difficult finish.
Semi Ajayi – 5.5/10
Had a fairly quiet first half but struggled as Guinea-Bissau increased the pressure. The backline looked increasingly open after the break.
Calvin Bassey – 5/10
Too many fouls and eventually picked up a yellow card. He was also involved in several defensive moments as Guinea-Bissau repeatedly attacked.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 6/10
One of Nigeria’s more active players from the left. Provided the cross for Ilenikhena’s late chance and also helped create Moses Simon’s opportunity.
Wilfred Ndidi – 5.5/10
Worked in front of the defence but could not stop Guinea-Bissau from finding spaces between Nigeria’s midfield and defence.
Frank Onyeka – 5/10
Struggled to impose himself before being replaced at half-time. Had one effort that went narrowly wide but did little else offensively.
Alex Iwobi – 6/10
One of Nigeria’s more involved players. Found Lookman with the pass for his early chance and later supplied Arokodare. Still could not give Nigeria enough control in midfield.
Ademola Lookman – 5.5/10
Had Nigeria’s first good chance after being played through by Iwobi, but the goalkeeper saved it. He struggled to influence the game afterwards and was substituted.
Taiwo Awoniyi – 5/10
A difficult outing. He never really settled into the game and was withdrawn at half-time after only 45 minutes.
Akor Adams – 5.5/10
Had one of Nigeria’s better chances when his second-half header was saved. Worked physically but did not offer enough in the final third.
Substitutes
Moses Simon – 6/10
Added more attacking intent after coming on. Set up Adams with a cross and had two efforts of his own, although neither produced a goal.
Moses Usor – 5.5/10
Came on at half-time but struggled to reproduce the impact he had against Madagascar. Had an effort saved shortly after the restart.
George Ilenikhena – 6/10
Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking substitute. Came closest to scoring when his shot from inside the six-yard box was saved late on.
Tolu Arokodare – 5.5/10
Had one decent opening from Iwobi’s pass but dragged his effort wide. Could not change the game.
Raphael Onyedika – 5.5/10
Replaced Ndidi and brought some energy into midfield, but Nigeria were already struggling by then. Could not help regain control.
