The Super Eagles suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Monday.
Franculino opened scoring in the 15th minute after a setup from Ronaldo Nhaga to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime, despite Nigeria dominating possession with 56% and recording 12 shots, 7 on target.
Coach Éric Chelle made a double change at the start of the second half, bringing on Moses Simon and Mathias Usor for Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka in search of an equaliser.
But it was Guinea-Bissau who doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Mama Balde from Mauro Rodrigues’ assist.
Chelle threw on Tolu Arokodare, Gift Orban and Raphael Onyedika to rescue the game, and Guinea-Bissau were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute when Alfa Semedo was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Nigeria failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage, and Alexandre Djalo sealed the win in the 5th minute of stoppage time off Carlos Mane Tamble’s assist.
The result leaves Nigeria on 3 points from 2 games in Group L, while Guinea-Bissau top the group with 6 points from two wins.
The Super Eagles will next face Russia in a friendly in Novgorod on October 6 as they look to bounce back before the next round of qualifiers.
