CAF Apologizes to NFF After Nigeria's 3-0 Loss to Guinea-Bissau

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a formal apology to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Nigeria's 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match took place at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, where the pitch conditions had significantly deteriorated.

CAF is likely to ban the stadium from hosting further qualifying matches, acknowledging that the pitch was not in its current state during the initial inspection. Guinea-Bissau's Franculino Dju scored the opening goal in the 15th minute, followed by Mama Baldé in the 66th minute, and Álvaro Djaló sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.

This loss marked the first defeat for Nigeria's head coach since taking charge. Guinea-Bissau leads Group L with six points, while Nigeria remains on three points after winning their opening match against Madagascar.

Concerns about the pitch had been raised prior to the match, with players advised to assess injury risks.