Nigeria 0-1 Guinea-Bissau: Wild Dogs defeats Super Eagles in AFCON qualifiers

Guinea-Bissau defeats the three-time African champions at MKO Abiola Stadium on gameweek four of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Despite Nigeria’s best efforts to salvage at least a point, Mama Samba Balde’s lone goal in the first half proved to be the game’s turning point.

In an effort to please the home crowd at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola Stadium, the Super Eagles kicked off the game with the anticipated vigor.

The in-structure Victor Osimhen was given two possibilities he ordinarily would have changed over, heading wide from short proximity following five minutes and afterward neglecting to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one circumstance.

Nigeria continued to push and appeared more likely to score until Guinea-Bissau took the lead against the flow of play in the 29th minute.

With a delightful pass over the Nigerian defense, Opa Sangante found Mama Samba Balde on the run. The striker controlled the ball beautifully and slotted it through Francis Uzoho’s legs.

For a nation with high-flying forwards in European football, Nigeria lacked the necessary cutting edge in the final third, despite continuing to create dangerous scenarios.

Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu started the second half off the bench in place of Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho, respectively, after Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro made two halftime substitutions to try to change the outcome. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to score an equalizer.

Kevin Akpoguma sustained what appeared to be a serious head injury, necessitating a delay and, ultimately, Semi Ajayi’s substitution in the 55th minute.

Shortly after, Simon missed a good chance after being cleverly set up by the lively Samuel Chukwueze. He shot wide of the goal.