Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes took a major hit on Tuesday as the Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their Group L clash at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau.
The hosts scored in each half to claim a deserved victory, with Franculino Dju, Mama Balde and Alvaro Djalo all finding the net for the Djutus.
Coach Eric Chelle made several changes from the side that narrowly beat Madagascar, handing Taiwo Awoniyi a start upfront ahead of George Ilenikhana, bringing Frank Onyeka into midfield and preferring Bright Osayi-Samuel to Ola Aina at right back.
There were early warning signs for Nigeria as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was forced to clear his lines in the opening exchanges, and the hosts eventually broke through on 15 minutes. Dju found space on the edge of the box and curled a fine effort into the bottom far corner, leaving Nwabali rooted to the spot.
Despite a flurry of changes from the visitors, it was Guinea-Bissau who continued to pose the greater threat. Nwabali kept the hosts at bay with a low save, but he could not prevent them from doubling their lead on 66 minutes when Balde got the better of Osayi-Samuel inside the penalty area before slotting into the bottom corner.
Nigeria pushed for a way back into the match but were undone deep in added time by Djalo, who danced into the box before finishing to seal a well-deserved win for the Djutus.
It is the second time Guinea-Bissau have beaten the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifiers, repeating their shock victory in Abuja in 2023, their second win in five meetings between the two sides.
Guinea-Bissau now top Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria sit second with three points.
