SUPER EAGLES CRASH 3–0 TO GUINEA BISSAU IN MAJOR AFCON QUALIFYING SETBACK,

Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a major setback in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Tuesday after falling to a 3–0 defeat against Guinea Bissau at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.

Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the first half before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage after the break and Álvaro Djaló completed the victory deep into stoppage time.

The defeat was Nigeria's first under head coach Eric Chelle and leaves the Super Eagles on three points after their opening two Group L matches.

Guinea Bissau, meanwhile, have won both of their opening qualifiers and move to six points.

Nigeria entered the match hoping to build momentum after beginning the campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory against Madagascar in Uyo.

Instead, the Super Eagles endured a difficult evening in Bissau.

FRANCULINO PUTS GUINEA BISSAU AHEAD

The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute through Franculino Djú.

The early goal forced Nigeria to chase the match, but Chelle's team struggled to turn possession into the clear opportunities needed to get back into the contest.

Guinea Bissau took their advantage into halftime and emerged after the break determined to protect their lead.

Nigeria attempted to find a route back into the game but were punished again in the 66th minute.

Mama Baldé found the net to double the hosts' advantage and leave the Super Eagles facing a two goal deficit with less than half an hour remaining.

DJALÓ COMPLETES THE DEFEAT

Nigeria pushed forward looking for a late response but could not break through the Guinea Bissau defense.

Instead, the hosts struck again.

Álvaro Djaló scored in stoppage time to make it 3–0 and complete an emphatic victory for Guinea Bissau.

The final whistle confirmed one of Nigeria's most damaging AFCON qualifying defeats in recent years.

For Guinea Bissau, the result represents a major statement in Group L.

The Djurtus had already opened their campaign with an impressive 2–0 away victory over Tanzania.

They have now followed that result by defeating Nigeria 3–0 at home.

FIRST DEFEAT FOR ERIC CHELLE

The result also represents Eric Chelle's first defeat since taking charge of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria had entered the September international window seeking to establish an early advantage in the race for qualification.

The opening victory over Madagascar provided three points, although Chelle acknowledged before Tuesday's match that Nigeria's performance had not been particularly impressive.

He also expressed concern about the limited preparation time available between the two qualifiers.

The defeat in Bissau now places significantly more pressure on Nigeria's remaining qualifying matches.

NIGERIA REMAIN ON THREE POINTS

Guinea Bissau now sit on six points after winning their opening two matches, while Nigeria remain on three.

The situation is particularly important because Tanzania are one of the three cohosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and have already secured automatic qualification for the tournament.

That leaves Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Madagascar competing for the remaining qualification opportunity from the group.

Nigeria therefore cannot afford many more dropped points if the Super Eagles are to secure their place at AFCON 2027.

The 3–0 result also gives Guinea Bissau an important early advantage in the head to head battle between the two teams.

For Nigeria, attention will quickly turn toward how Chelle and his players respond.

A campaign that began with a comeback victory in Uyo has now been shaken by a heavy defeat in Bissau.

Two matches into qualifying, the Super Eagles have three points while Guinea Bissau have six, leaving Nigeria with considerably more work to do as the race for AFCON qualification continues.