The Super Eagles suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau.

Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored for the hosts as Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of Group L with six points from two matches, while Nigeria remain on three points after opening their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar. 

The result came despite Nigeria coach Éric Chelle warning before the match that Guinea-Bissau were a strong side and that the encounter would not be easy. Chelle had urged his players to remain focused and avoid underestimating the hosts. 

Guinea-Bissau took the lead in the 15th minute when Djú created space on the edge of the Nigerian penalty area before curling the ball into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria struggled to create clear chances and went into the break trailing by a goal. Chelle responded by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor at the start of the second half as the Super Eagles searched for an equaliser.

The hosts, however, extended their advantage in the 66th minute when Baldé beat Bright Osayi-Samuel before finishing into the bottom corner.

Nigeria made further changes, with Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika introduced as the Super Eagles attempted to reduce the deficit. Ilenikhena came close, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadjé made an important save to preserve the hosts’ two-goal lead. 

Guinea-Bissau completed the victory deep into stoppage time when Djaló broke into the penalty area and fired home to make it 3-0.

The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in Group L. Guinea-Bissau now have six points from two matches, while Nigeria have three. Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, already have automatic qualification, leaving the remaining teams in the group competing for the available qualifying place.