- Safiu Kehinde
Guinea-Bissau has humbled the Super Eagles of Nigeria with 3-0 victory at the second match of the 2027 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Qualifiers.
Coming off a 2-0 win against Tanzania in the Group L opener, the Wild Dogs hosted the Super Eagles on Tuesday evening.
The host nation continued their stellar run of the campaign against a visibly depleted Nigerian side who coach, Eric Chelle, earlier announced the absence of three key players in the team shortly after their arrival at the fellow West African nation.
With the absence of talisman, Victor Osimhen, and withdrawal of his replacement, George Ilenikhena, from the starting line-up due to injury concern, Guinea-Bissau ran riot against Nigeria.
The host nation opened their goal scoring account in the 15th minute courtesy a sublime shot from Trabzonspor’s forward, Franculino Dju.
The striker latched the ball past Super Eagles keeper, Stanley Nwabali, who stood frozen.
Super Eagles were unable to break through the host’s water-tight defence while equally struggling to contain their explosive attacks.
It would get worse for the visitors in the second half as Guinea-Bissau’s captain, Mama Balde, doubled the lead in the 65th minute.
Despite tactical changes which saw Moses Simon and Moses Usor, who scored the winner against Madagascar, introduced to the game, the Super Eagles largely remained unmatched against the home side.
Their efforts proved abortive as Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper, Fernando Embadje, kept the visitor’s attackers at bay with impressive saves.
With clock tickling to the last minute of the five minutes extra-time before the final whistle, the Wild Dogs sealed the win with a third goal from Alvaro Djalo.
The win against the Super Eagles now sees Guinea-Bissau top the table with six points while Nigeria sits second with three points.
