Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania suffered a damning damage Tuesday evening as hosts Guinea-Bissau claimed a priceless 3-0 win in Bissau, reports Newslegend NG.
The three-time African champions without star striker Victor Osimhen had come from a goal down to beat Madagascar on Friday on Matchday 1 but Tuesday’s defeat has put the host team ahead in Group L with six points following the win over already qualified Tanzania over the weekend while Nigeria are behind with three points.
The game was tepid but the first real chances for both sides came in the space of 30 seconds with Taiwo Awoniyi pouncing on a loose ball but the GB keeper claimed the ball.
In the 14th minute, Alex Iwobi found Ademola Lookman but his scoffed shot was also gathered easily by the hosts’ custodian.
Franculino Dju broke the deadlock a minute later when he went past Bruno Onyemaechi and let fly a shot that Stanley Nwabali, rooted to a spot, could not stop.
Calvin Bassey had a good recovery to deny Beto who was bearing down on goal in the 40th minute mark.
Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka had the last chances for Nigeria but their respective efforts came to nought as the Guinea-Bissau side took the lead into the break.
Second half substitutes, Simon Moses and Moses Usor combined as the chase for an equaliser gathered momentum but the latter’s close range shot was tame.
Stanley Nwabali saved the Eagles’ blushes as he turned a low shot over the bar after the ineffectual Onyemaechi made a poor clearance that was latched onto by Euciodalcio Gomes.
The hosts continued their relentless attack but shortly afterwards Beto spurned a great chance to double the lead.
Mama Balde, captain of Guinea-Bissau, slalomled past Bright Osayi-Samuel to place the ball beyond Nwabali and into the low right corner to make it 2-0 against the Super Eagles.
George Ilekihena got to the end of a pass from Onyemaechi but the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadje made himself big and denied the Saudi Arabia based striker.
Guinea-Bissau made it 3-0 in added time and beyond the disgraced Super Eagles side through second half substitute Alvaro Djaro who cut inside and wrong-footed Nwabali.
