Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered an early setback on Tuesday after the Super Eagles were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifier in Bissau.
The defeat leaves Nigeria on three points from two matches, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, who have won both of their opening fixtures and now occupy the top position in the group.
The result assumes greater significance because Tanzania, one of the four teams in Group L, have already secured their place at the 2027 tournament as one of the three co-hosts.
Consequently, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will earn the remaining qualification ticket from the group, according to the Confederation of African Football.
Guinea-Bissau strengthened their position after following up their opening 2-0 victory over Tanzania with another convincing performance against Nigeria at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring for the hosts before Mama Baldé extended their advantage in the second half, while Álvaro Djaló completed the scoring in stoppage time.
CAF described the result as one of the major shocks of Matchday Two, with Nigeria joining Ghana among the prominent African sides to suffer defeats in the latest round of qualifiers.
The outcome represents a sharp reversal for Nigeria, who had started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
George Ilenikhena cancelled out Madagascar’s early lead before substitute Moses Usor completed the comeback to give Eric Chelle’s side three points from their opening fixture.
However, Nigeria could not reproduce that recovery in Bissau and were unable to prevent Guinea-Bissau from establishing a commanding early position in the group.
The other Group L fixture on Tuesday ended in a 1-1 draw between Madagascar and Tanzania, leaving Madagascar with one point from two matches.
Nigeria’s next two qualifiers will be against Tanzania in November, with the Super Eagles scheduled to host the Taifa Stars before travelling for the return fixture. They will then face Madagascar away and Guinea-Bissau at home in March 2027.
The November double-header could therefore prove important to Nigeria’s campaign, as the Super Eagles seek to close the gap on Guinea-Bissau before the final two rounds of the qualification race.
CAF has scheduled Matchdays Three and Four for November 9–17, 2026, while the final two rounds will be played from March 22–30, 2027.
With Guinea-Bissau now holding six points, Nigeria three and Madagascar one after two matches, the Super Eagles have little room for further dropped points if they are to finish above their two direct rivals for the sole non-host qualification place in Group L.
