Guinea-Bissau 3-0 Nigeria: Dju, Balde and Djalo strike as Djurtus pull off upset against Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló all finding the net for the hosts in Bissau.

Nigeria, who had opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, struggled to turn their possession into clear chances as Guinea-Bissau punished them at important moments.

Guinea-Bissau took the lead in the 15th minute when Djú produced a curling finish into the far corner after finding space inside Nigeria’s defence.

Stanley Nwabali was unable to keep out the effort as the hosts established an early advantage. 

The Super Eagles attempted to respond, with Ademola Lookman providing an attacking outlet, while Frank Onyeka fired into the side netting in the 28th minute. Nigeria went into the interval 1-0 behind.

Éric Chelle made two changes at half-time, bringing on Moses Usor for Onyeka and Moses Simon for Taiwo Awoniyi as Nigeria searched for a way back into the contest. 

The changes provided some attacking impetus, but Guinea-Bissau continued to pose a threat.

Akor Adams came close to equalising when his header was saved by goalkeeper Manuel Embadje in the 60th minute, while Beto missed an opportunity to increase the hosts’ advantage shortly afterwards.

Guinea-Bissau eventually doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Baldé.

The forward cut inside from the left before curling his effort off the post and into the net, leaving Nigeria facing a two-goal deficit.

Chelle later introduced Tolu Arokodare for Lookman, but the Super Eagles were unable to produce a response.

The hosts completed the victory deep into stoppage time when Djaló scored to make it 3-0 and seal all three points for Guinea-Bissau. 

The defeat leaves Nigeria with Tanzania next in the Afcon 2027 qualifying campaign during the November international window, while the Super Eagles will first face Russia in an international friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6.

Wale Adejumo