Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) suffered a major setback after the Super Eagles lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s Group L qualifier in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau dent Super Eagles’ chances
Trabzonspor forward Franculino opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a curling effort that beat Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Guinea-Bissau doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Mama Baldé’s shot went in off the post, before Álvaro Djaló sealed a second consecutive victory for the hosts with a third goal.
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Nigeria face tougher qualification path
Nigeria had entered the fixture hoping to build on their 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo, but Eric Chelle’s side struggled to impose themselves on the game.
The defeat leaves Nigeria three points from two matches, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, who have won both of their opening fixtures.
The Super Eagles’ chances for AFCON 2027 are further complicated by Tanzania’s presence in Group L. Tanzania have already secured a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
That means Nigeria cannot afford to rely on finishing second in the group, as the runners-up position may not guarantee qualification.
The Super Eagles will need to recover quickly and improve their results in the remaining fixtures if they are to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Nigeria will next turn their attention to an international friendly against Russia on October 6 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
