Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to hosts Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday evening in their second 2027Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash.
Trabzonspor forward Franculino Djú opened the scoring for the home side early in the first half, curling a well-placed effort into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Stanley Nwabali.
Captain Mama Baldé doubled the hosts' lead in the second half after skipping past Bright Osayi-Samuel before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
However, Alvaro Djalo found the back of the net in the closing stages of the clash to put the hosts in a comfortable position as they looked to secure the only qualification spot in the group.
Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match
Chelle Makes Three Changes
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle made three changes to the team that secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar on Friday in Uyo.
Chelle brought Frank Onyeka, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Taiwo Awoniyi into the starting line-up, with the trio replacing Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and George Ilenikhena.
Ilenikhena was left out of the starting XI due to fitness concerns, while the omissions of Chukwueze and Aina appeared to be tactical decisions by the manager.
Super Eagles Concede Early Again
The Super Eagles produced another disappointing start against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday evening, conceding an early goal in the first half.
Nigeria had also conceded early against Madagascar in Uyo, leaving the home fans frustrated. However, the team failed to address the problem as they once again started the game without the required concentration and focus.
Their lack of urgency was punished when Guinea-Bissau took an early lead through Franculino Djú, leaving the Super Eagles with another difficult task of fighting back from behind.
Franculino Djú Impresses for Guinea-Bissau
Franculino was a constant threat to the Super Eagles defence, with Bruno Onyemaechi struggling to contain the Trabzonspor attacker.
The 22-year-old showcased his quality in the build-up to the opening goal, skillfully skipping past Onyemaechi before curling a well-placed effort into the bottom corner to give the Djurtus the lead.
Franculino continued to cause problems for the Nigerian defence with his movement, pace and dribbling skills for the entire duration of the match.
Super Eagles Struggle With Pitch Conditions
The Super Eagles produced an underwhelming performance against the Djurtus, with the condition of the playing surface appearing to affect their ability to play their usual passing game.
Nigeria struggled to maintain possession and build attacks smoothly, as several players found it difficult to control the ball and execute passes on the uneven pitch.
Lookman, Adams, Awoniyi Struggle in Eagles Attack
The Super Eagles attack struggled to put pressure on and threaten the Guinea-Bissau defence in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen missed the game due to injury, while George Ilenikhena, who replaced him in the previous match against Madagascar, was unable to start against Guinea-Bissau due to fitness concerns.
In their absence, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi struggled to make an impact, as the Guinea-Bissau defence comfortably contained the Super Eagles attackers for most parts of the game.
Awoniyi was substituted at the start of the second half, while Lookman and Adams were also withdrawn later in the second half as Nigeria struggled to find a way back into the game.
Adeyemi Adewale
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