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- Guinea-Bissau vs. Nigeria | Highlights | 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Guinea-Bissau vs. Nigeria | Highlights | 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Guinea-Bissau produced one of the biggest surprises of the matchday by defeating Nigeria 3-0 and moving to the top of Group L in the race for AFCON 2027 qualification.
Guinea-Bissau pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the matchday in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, defeating Nigeria 3-0 in Bissau. The result puts the Djurtus at the top of Group L after two matches, while the Super Eagles suffered a major setback on their road to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The home side came out with plenty of intensity and did not allow Nigeria to take control of the game. Franculino opened the scoring in the 15th minute to put the hosts ahead, as Nigeria struggled to create danger and find space.
The defeat is a major contrast for Nigeria, which had opened the qualifiers with a win over Madagascar. This time, Eric Chelle's team had no answers and were ultimately outplayed by a side that made the most of its chances.
Franculino Puts Guinea-Bissau Ahead
The first blow came early. Franculino found space inside the box and converted one of Guinea-Bissau's first clear chances to make it 1-0. The forward once again showed his importance in an attack that also featured Mama Baldé and Beto.
Nigeria tried to respond through players such as Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams, but their opportunities were limited. The visitors had possession during certain stretches, but failed to turn it into clear chances in front of the Guinea-Bissau goal.
Mama Baldé Extends the Blow for the Super Eagles
Nigeria came out looking for an equalizer, but Guinea-Bissau maintained control and found the back of the net again. Mama Baldé struck in the second half to make it 2-0, leaving the Super Eagles in a very difficult situation.
The second goal exposed Nigeria's problems even further. Chelle's team pushed forward, but left spaces that Guinea-Bissau used to keep threatening the opposing penalty area. Stanley Nwabali had to make several interventions to prevent the deficit from becoming even larger.
By that point, the surprise was turning into a rout. Nigeria needed two goals to get back into the match, but the attack continued to lack clarity while Guinea-Bissau stayed strong through the final minutes.
Álvaro Djaló Completes an Unforgettable Night
With Nigeria still searching for a way back into the game, Álvaro Djaló appeared in stoppage time to score the 3-0 and put the result beyond doubt. The goal sparked celebrations in Bissau and confirmed a victory few expected before kickoff.
Guinea-Bissau now have six points from six possible after also defeating Tanzania in their opening match. Nigeria, meanwhile, remain on three points and will need a response in their upcoming games to avoid making their path to AFCON 2027 more difficult.
The result leaves the Djurtus at the top of Group L and changes the outlook of a qualifying campaign that is only getting started. For Nigeria, the margin for error is shrinking after a convincing defeat that left a much bigger mark than the three-goal difference alone.
