The Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered their first defeat of the AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign after Guinea-Bissau produced a shocking 1-0 win at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja in Match Day 3 of the qualifying round.
A solitary strike by Troy’s Mama Samba Balde in the 29′ minute of theĀ first half proved to be the difference as Nigeria’s best efforts to salvage at least a point ended in disappointment.
Despite starting the game on the front foot in the presence of a near empty stadium with fans not turning up in their numbers, the Super Eagles failed to capitalize on early dominance which was punished as Opa Sangante found the run of Mama Samba Balde with a delightful pass over the Nigerian defence which the striker controlled beautifully and slotted through the legs of the onrushing Francis Uzoho.
The second half witnessed more frustration for the home side as Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze spurned great chances to hand Nigeria any hope of gaining a point. At the end of 90′ minutes the Super Eagles fell behindĀ to second in the group with six points, now a point behind the wild dogs of Guinea-Bissau who they will now face three days later away from home.
