Qualifying for the AFCON: Guinea-Bissau defeats Super Eagles in Abuja

In a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday night, Guinea-Bissau shocked the Super Eagles of Nigeria 1-0.

Mame Balde’s first-half goal and a tenacious defensive effort clinched the victory, which sent the Djurtus to the top of Group A with seven points and the Super Eagles to second with six points.

Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze all displayed impressive energy as Nigeria jumped off to a good start and quickly applied major attacking pressure.

Even so, Guinea-Bissau persevered and started to pose their own danger, with Alfa Semedo standing out for his 21st-minute attempt that went just wide of the goal.

Then in the 30th minute, Mama Balde slipped the offside trap, expertly handled Opa Sangante’s long pass, and swerved a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho for a shocking 1-0 lead for the Djurtus.

Six minutes later, the visitors missed a golden opportunity to score a second goal as Dalcio chipped a close-range effort into the side netting following a Fali Cande-led counterattack.

In an effort to score an equaliser before halftime, the Super Eagles boosted their game, but GB still led by one goal at the break.

Starting the second half with the entrances of Paul Onucahu and Moses Simon, the hosts changed up their offensive. Ten minutes after the break, they also had to replace Kevin Akpoguma with Semi Ajayi due to a head injury.

On 58 minutes, Simon had a terrific opportunity to tie the score, but he wasted it by misfiring off a beautiful cutback from Chukwueze and wide of Jonas Mendes’ left-hand post. Wilfred Ndidi also missed a golden opportunity, set up by Osimhen, just after the hour mark.

In an effort to equalise, the Super Eagles kept pressing forward. In the 80th minute, Onuachu had a notable attempt but missed after meeting Simon’s cross from the left byline. In the closing seconds, veteran Ahmed Musa was introduced out of desperation.

But, nothing went wrong for Nigeria, who were left angry and disappointed, while Guinea-Bissau were able to enjoy a notable victory that might be a significant step towards a fourth straight appearance at the Afcon.

On Monday, March 27, the clubs will clash for the second Group A game in Bissau’s Stadium 24 de Setembro.