Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Mame Balde scored the only goal of the match in the 30th minute, brilliantly controlling Opa Sangante’s long ball and slotting it between the legs of the Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Despite Nigeria’s strong start and consistent attacking pressure, Guinea-Bissau remained resolute in defence and even threatened with Alfa Semedo’s shot going just wide in the 21st minute.
Guinea-Bissau missed a great chance to double their lead in the 36th minute, they held on until half-time.
Nigeria made attacking changes in the second half, bringing on Paul Onuachu and Moses Simon, but they were unable to break down Guinea-Bissau’s defence. Simon had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 58th minute, but he missed the target.
Wilfred Ndidi also squandered a great chance created by Victor Osimhen just after the hour mark. The Super Eagles kept pressing forward, with Onuachu coming close with a header in the 80th minute.
However, Guinea-Bissau held on to secure a historic victory and move to the top of Group A with seven points, while Nigeria slipped to second with six points.
Sierra Leone and Sao Tome & Principe make up the rest of the group with two and one point, respectively. The two teams will face each other again on March 27th in Bissau for the return Group A match.
