CAF Takes Action as Guinea-Bissau Stadium Fails Pitch Test

Posted : 07 October 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn approval for Guinea-Bissau’s Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro to host further matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following concerns over its playing surface.

The decision comes after Nigeria’s Super Eagles played Guinea-Bissau at the stadium in a qualifier that ended in a 3–0 defeat for the visitors.

The condition of the pitch attracted significant attention before and during the encounter, with concerns raised over its suitability for an international fixture and the potential risk of injuries to players.

Nigeria subsequently lodged a complaint with CAF over the state of the playing surface, while concerns were also reportedly shared by members of the Guinea-Bissau delegation.

CAF has since apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), explaining that the pitch was not in the condition observed when the venue was initially inspected and approved for the fixture.

The continental football governing body had earlier raised concerns over the stadium and instructed Guinea-Bissau to stage its home matches in Morocco.

However, the country was later granted permission to return to the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro after repair work was carried out approximately one month before Nigeria’s visit.

The improvement was apparently not sustained, as the playing surface deteriorated before the Super Eagles’ encounter.

The development has now forced CAF to reconsider the venue’s suitability, with Guinea-Bissau required to identify another stadium for its remaining home matches in the qualifying campaign.

The poor pitch had already become a major talking point surrounding the fixture, with Nigerian players reportedly advised to assess the risks associated with playing on the surface and communicate with their clubs regarding any possible injuries.

Despite the concerns, the match went ahead, with Guinea-Bissau securing a convincing 3–0 victory over the Super Eagles.

CAF’s latest action effectively means that the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro will no longer be available for Guinea-Bissau’s remaining home fixtures in the qualifiers.

The decision also places renewed emphasis on CAF’s venue inspection and approval process, particularly the need for host associations to maintain playing facilities at the required standard throughout a competition.

For the NFF and the Super Eagles, CAF’s apology provides acknowledgement of the concerns raised over the pitch, although it does not alter the outcome of the qualifier.

Guinea-Bissau must now secure an alternative venue that meets CAF’s requirements before hosting its next home fixture in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

CAF Takes Action as Guinea-Bissau Stadium Fails Pitch Test

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