Super Eagles Face Tough Time After Loss to Guinea-Bissau

The Super Eagles are in trouble again after losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau. This defeat comes on the heels of their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loss happened during their second qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Before this match, the Eagles had a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo last Friday. But against Guinea-Bissau, they struggled to find their footing. The poor pitch at Estádio 24 de Setembro also made things harder for Nigeria.

Guinea-Bissau took advantage of Nigeria’s struggles early on. In the 15th minute, Franculino Djú scored the first goal. He danced through the Nigerian defense and curled his shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unable to react.

The Super Eagles could not respond effectively, and Guinea-Bissau maintained their lead until halftime. Coach Eric Chelle made some changes at the start of the second half. He brought in Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi, hoping to change the game.

But Guinea-Bissau extended their lead in the 66th minute. Mama Baldé scored after another strong run past the Nigerian defense, beating Nwabali again. Nigeria had a chance to pull one back late in the game. George Ilenikhena got a shot close to the goal, but Djoco Embadje, the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper, made an impressive save in the 87th minute.

Álvaro Djaló sealed the deal for the hosts with a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. This win puts Guinea-Bissau at six points from two matches. They had earlier beaten co-hosts Tanzania 2-0. Nigeria, on the other hand, remains at three points from their win over Madagascar.

This defeat puts pressure on the Eagles. Only the highest-placed non-host nation in Group L will qualify for the tournament. Tanzania is already assured a place since they are co-hosts.

Nigeria hopes to turn things around in their next matches, scheduled between November 9 and 17. Their last two qualifiers will take place in March 2027, ahead of the AFCON, which runs from June 19 to July 17 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. A total of 24 teams will participate in the finals.