2027 AFCONQ: 4 things we learnt as Guinea-Bissau thrash Super Eagles

Nigeria suffered a stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

The Super Eagles travelled to Bissau looking to wrestle leadership of Group L.

But it was the hosts who took control of the game and went in front before the break.

Franculino Djú curled his effort past Stanley Nwabali before the Djurtus doubled their lead in the 66th minute of the match through Mama Baldé.

Álvaro Djaló added a third in stoppage time.

But what did we learn from this match?

1. Players and coaches had an off day: It was one of those days where both Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles had no answers. Chelle made a couple of mistakes both with tactics and personnel, the most obvious one being picking Taiwo Awoniyi to start the game. His substitutions reek of panic and did not change the momentum in any way. The two full-backs, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, were incredibly poor. Wilfred Ndidi did a poor job in midfield, and there was no width.

2. No minnows in (African) football: It is not even a cliché. But you have to be at your absolute best to beat any team in football these days. Guinea-Bissau got full value for their effort. The three goals they scored were the minimum reward for their endeavour and industry. They now sit three points clear at the top of Group L.

3. Osimhen still the talisman: Chelle started the game in Bissau with Coventry City’s Taiwo Awoniyi leading the line, with Victor Osimhen still out injured. But he finished the game with both Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena. Yet, none of them were able to impact the match in a decisive way. It proves that Osimhen, for all his issues, remains the Super Eagles’ talisman.

4. Nigeria in real danger of missing out on next AFCON: After only two fixtures, the Super Eagles find themselves in a now-familiar position – fighting to qualify for tournaments. The defeat to Guinea-Bissau means they are already three points behind the leaders. The three-time African champions are now condemned to win all their remaining fixtures, especially since only one team will get a ticket from Group L.