UNITY TIMES SPORTS DESK
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a painful setback in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Guinea-Bissau defeated them 3–0 in Bissau. The defeat came at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium on Tuesday and represented Nigeria’s first loss of the qualifying series.
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Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the second half. Álvaro Djaló then completed the rout in stoppage time.
Nigeria had entered the match with confidence after recovering from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2–1 in Uyo in their opening Group L fixture. But the Eagles struggled to reproduce that performance.
Chelle: Guinea-Bissau wanted it more
Nigeria coach Éric Chelle admitted after the match that the hosts were more aggressive and intense. The coach acknowledged that Nigeria failed to find adequate solutions against Guinea-Bissau’s approach. The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in a group in which every point could become important.
For a country accustomed to competing for continental honours, the result will also intensify scrutiny of the team’s tactical organisation, attacking efficiency and consistency.
The Super Eagles will need to recover quickly because the AFCON qualifying campaign offers little room for complacency. For Nigerian football supporters, Tuesday’s result was more than an ordinary away defeat. It was a reminder that Nigeria’s reputation alone will not secure qualification.
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