Super Eagles Suffer Major Setback, But AFCON 2027 Qualification Dream Remains Alive

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have suffered a setback after the Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, but the team still has four matches to fight for the available qualification spot in Group L.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Nigeria currently have three points from their opening two matches, having started the campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar before suffering the heavy defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have six points after winning both of their opening fixtures.

The situation in Group L is particularly important because Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have an automatic place at the tournament. Consequently, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will secure the additional qualification ticket from the group.

Guinea-Bissau strengthened their position with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday. Franculino Djú opened the scoring, Mama Baldé added a second goal in the second half, while Álvaro Djaló completed the win in stoppage time. The result gave the Djurtus a perfect six points from their first two matches.

Nigeria now have four fixtures remaining in the qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will face Tanzania in a two-legged encounter during the November international window before travelling to Madagascar and hosting Guinea-Bissau in the final two rounds scheduled for March 2027. CAF has set the third and fourth matchdays for November 9–17, with the final two rounds taking place from March 22–30, 2027.

The November double-header against Tanzania could therefore be significant for Nigeria’s campaign, as the Super Eagles look to collect points and improve their position before the final two matches. Their eventual meeting with Guinea-Bissau in Nigeria could also become important depending on how the standings develop.

Although the 3-0 defeat leaves Nigeria with little room for further dropped points, the qualification race is not over. Results involving Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will also influence the final standings, meaning Nigeria’s fate will depend on both their own results and the performances of their group rivals.

The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to the November fixtures, with the team needing a strong response in the remaining matches to keep their bid for a place at AFCON 2027 on course.