2027 AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria put themselves in danger after defeat by Guinea-Bissau

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

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Nigeria Nigeria suffered a serious setback in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, the Super Eagles remain stuck on three points, while the Djurtus have moved to the top of Group L on their own with six points.

The situation in Group L has become particularly delicate for Nigeria. Tanzania, co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, have automatically qualified for the finals. Only one place therefore remains to be awarded among Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar.

After two matchdays, Guinea-Bissau have six points. The Djurtus began their campaign with a 2-0 victory in Tanzania before repeating the feat on Tuesday with a resounding 3-0 win over Nigeria.

Nigeria have three points, earned thanks to their 2-1 victory over Madagascar on the opening matchday. The Super Eagles had nevertheless fallen behind before coming from behind against the Barea. Madagascar, for their part, have one point after drawing with Tanzania.

Guinea-Bissau have therefore made a particularly strong start to their campaign. After beating one of the host nations on the opening matchday, they have now picked up three more points against Nigeria and hold a three-point lead over the Super Eagles.

Nigeria must revive their campaign in November

The qualifiers will resume between 9 and 17 November for the third and fourth matchdays. Nigeria will then face Tanzania twice, while Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will also meet twice.

For the Super Eagles, the objective will be clear: take the maximum points from these two matches. Six points would take Nigeria to nine and put pressure on Guinea-Bissau.

But two wins against Tanzania would not yet guarantee top spot. Guinea-Bissau can also pick up points against Madagascar. If the Djurtus win their next two matches, they will reach 12 points and retain a three-point lead over Nigeria, even if the latter achieve a perfect record against Tanzania. The race would then remain open ahead of the final two matchdays, scheduled from 22 to 30 March 2027.

Madagascar can still reopen the race

With just one point after two matchdays, Madagascar remain mathematically in contention. The Barea lost 2-1 to Nigeria before picking up a point against Tanzania.

Their two-legged meeting with Guinea-Bissau in November could therefore have a direct impact on the rest of the group. Points dropped by the Djurtus would allow Nigeria to reduce their deficit, provided the Super Eagles also take points against Tanzania.

After two matchdays, the situation is therefore clear: Guinea-Bissau 6 points, Nigeria 3 points, Madagascar 1 point, while Tanzania have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as the host nation.

Nigeria have not been eliminated. But after this heavy defeat in Bissau, the Super Eagles have little room for error and will have to respond quickly during the next international window.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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