Nigeria have started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a victory, but the Super Eagles are second in Group L after Guinea-Bissau also secured three points in their opening fixture.
The three-time African champions came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 on Friday, taking maximum points from their first qualifying match.
However, Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of the group after recording a 2-0 away victory against Tanzania.
The result means Nigeria will have to settle for second place despite their comeback win, setting up an early contest for the lead when the Super Eagles travel to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
Nigeria had to recover from a difficult start against Madagascar after conceding the opening goal. Despite falling behind, they turned the match around to secure the three points needed to begin their qualifying campaign with a win.
The victory was not enough to put Nigeria at the summit because Guinea-Bissau also produced a winning performance in their opening fixture.
Franculino Djú gave Guinea-Bissau the lead in the 33rd minute of their match against Tanzania. The advantage was then doubled after the break when Mama Baldé scored in the 58th minute.
Guinea-Bissau held on to complete a 2-0 away victory, a result that lifted them above Nigeria in the early Group L standings.
Nigeria’s position in second means their next match carries added importance. The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau away from home on Tuesday, with both sides competing for an early advantage in the group.
Nigeria will enter the fixture having already demonstrated their ability to recover from a setback. Their 2-1 victory over Madagascar ensured they collected all three points despite conceding first.
The Super Eagles’ opening result therefore leaves them in a strong position to challenge for the group leadership, but Guinea-Bissau currently occupy first place after their more comfortable victory against Tanzania.
With the two leading sides scheduled to meet in the next round of fixtures, Tuesday’s match will provide an early opportunity for Nigeria to move above Guinea-Bissau in Group L.
Nigeria’s immediate task will be to build on the momentum from their opening victory while attempting to overcome the side currently leading the group.
The Super Eagles’ 2-1 comeback against Madagascar has given them three points from their first match, but Guinea-Bissau’s 2-0 win over Tanzania means they begin the next round of fixtures at the top.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau will now meet on Tuesday in what promises to be an important early fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
