Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Bissau.
The result marked the first defeat suffered by coach Eric Chelle since he took charge of the Nigerian national team, ending his unbeaten start in the dugout.
Guinea-Bissau took control of the encounter early and opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Franculino Dju, who curled a well-placed effort into the far corner beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Super Eagles struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as the hosts defended their advantage and went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
In an attempt to change the course of the match, Chelle made two substitutions at the interval, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi.
However, Nigeria’s efforts to find an equaliser were frustrated as Guinea-Bissau remained organised and dangerous on the counter.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Mama Baldé found the back of the net, leaving the Super Eagles facing an uphill task in the closing stages.
Nigeria came close to reducing the deficit in the 87th minute when George Ilenikhena was presented with an opportunity inside the area, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadje produced an important close-range save to preserve his side’s two-goal advantage.
Guinea-Bissau then sealed a comprehensive victory deep into stoppage time, with Álvaro Djaló scoring in the fifth minute of added time to make it 3-0.
The victory gives Guinea-Bissau maximum points from their opening two matches after they previously defeated Tanzania 2-0.
Nigeria, meanwhile, remain on three points following their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening Group L fixture.
The defeat puts added pressure on the Super Eagles to respond in their subsequent qualifiers as they seek to remain firmly in contention for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Chelle and his players will now have to address the shortcomings exposed in Bissau and regroup quickly ahead of the next phase of the qualification campaign.
