By Ben Efe 29.9.2026
Low energy, lack of enthusiasm to take risks and most of all bad starting 11 selection was the lot of the Super Eagles in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier Tuesday evening in Guinea Bissau and they received a 3-0 spanking they deserve from the home team.
For sure the excuse would be that the pitch of the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau was not standard, but the Guinea Bissau team thrived with good passes and made good runs dominating the Super Eagles early in the game.
In the 15th minute they were rewarded when Renato Nhaga stole the ball from Akor Adams floated a long pass to Franculino Nju who dragged Bruno Onyemaechi deep into the right side of pitch before cutting in to curl home a shot, the Super Eagles entire defence of Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel were caught napping and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rooted in the centre of the post could only watch the ball sail into the net.
After that goal the Super Eagles fought to bring themselves into the game but despite having possession for most of the half Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi failed to make good use of the services Alex Iwobi provided.
In the second half the Super Eagles seemed to lose steam as Guinea Bissau dominated play and in the 66th minute Mama Balde practically strolled past the Super Eagles central defence and shot into the far right of the post for their second goal.
Tolu Arokodare came in for Ademola Lookman, George Ilenikhena was on for Akor Adams, Moses Usor for Frank Oyeaka and Simon Moses for captain Wilfred Ndidi. But the changes made by coach Eric Chelle did not make any impact, it was obvious he did not put out his best starting 11 forward.
Alvaro Djalo added the third in stoppage time
Guinea Bissau now top group L with six points while the Super Eagles have three points and must win their next set of games to stand a chance of qualifying.
Super Eagles players get spanked in Guinea Bissau.