Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau has affected the Group L standings in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles travelled to Bissau hoping to make it two victories from two matches after beginning their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. Guinea-Bissau had also won their opening fixture, defeating Tanzania 2-0, meaning Tuesday’s encounter was a battle between the two teams with three points each.
However, Guinea-Bissau produced a strong performance at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro and secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Eric Chelle’s side.
The result means Guinea-Bissau have moved clear at the top of Group L with six points from their first two matches. They have won both games, scoring five goals and conceding none, leaving them with a goal difference of plus five.
Nigeria remain in second position with three points from two matches. The Super Eagles have one victory and one defeat, having scored two goals and conceded four. Their goal difference is now minus two following the heavy loss in Bissau.
Madagascar are currently third with one point from two matches. They have suffered one defeat and recorded one draw. Tanzania are also on one point after two matches but sit below Madagascar because of their inferior goal difference.
The situation in Group L is particularly important because Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. Therefore, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the additional qualifying place available from the group.
Guinea-Bissau’s perfect start has now put them in a strong position, while Nigeria will need to recover quickly in their remaining qualifying matches. The Super Eagles still have four games to play, but the 3-0 defeat means they have lost valuable ground in the race for the group’s qualification spot.
With Guinea-Bissau sitting on six points, Nigeria on three, and Madagascar and Tanzania on one point each, the remaining matches will be crucial in determining which team joins the hosts at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
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