Super Eagles Receive AFCON Qualifying Boost as Guinea-Bissau Drop Points Against Madagascar

Posted : 13 November 2026

Nigeria's Super Eagles have received a significant boost in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations following Madagascar's 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The result has given Nigeria an opportunity to close the gap on Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau when they face Tanzania in their Matchday Three encounter on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Guinea-Bissau entered the encounter against Madagascar with a perfect record after winning their opening two qualifying matches. However, they were unable to maintain that momentum against a determined Madagascar side in the contest played at Stade d'Honneur in Meknès, Morocco.

Madagascar took the lead in the 59th minute through Warren Caddy, raising hopes of securing their first victory of the qualifying campaign.

However, Guinea-Bissau responded in the 84th minute when Renato Nhaga found the equaliser to rescue a point for the visitors. The Djurtus also came close to completing a late comeback, but their attempt struck the woodwork.

The draw leaves Guinea-Bissau at the top of Group L with seven points from three matches, while Madagascar move to two points from the same number of games.

Nigeria remain second with three points from two matches, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau away from home.

The outcome in Morocco means Eric Chelle's men have an opportunity to reduce the gap to the group leaders to just one point if they defeat Tanzania.

The Super Eagles will, however, need to maintain their winning momentum in both fixtures against the Taifa Stars, with the return encounter scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, in Tanzania.

Tanzania present a different challenge because they have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Their participation in the qualifying campaign means they can still influence the competition for the remaining Group L qualification position.

Chelle's men will be hoping to take advantage of the latest development and avoid another setback after their damaging defeat in Guinea-Bissau.

All 24 invited Super Eagles players have arrived in camp in Uyo, allowing the Franco-Malian coach to work with his complete squad ahead of the encounter.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time on Friday. A victory would move Nigeria to six points and strengthen their position in the race for the remaining AFCON qualification ticket.

Super Eagles Receive AFCON Qualifying Boost as Guinea-Bissau Drop Points Against Madagascar

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