Nigeria, Ghana and Cape Verde suffer major setbacks in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Nigeria were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, while Ghana and Cape Verde also suffered damaging defeats on a difficult second matchday in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana, who had already lost 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire, surrendered a two-goal lead before going down 4-2 to The Gambia in Accra.

The Black Stars were without several important players during this international break, including Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew, but appeared to be in control after half an hour.

Ernest Nuamah, of Lyon, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before Felix Afena-Gyan made it 2-0 with a powerful direct free-kick six minutes later.

The Gambia responded before half-time. Mohamed Badamosi converted a penalty in the 37th minute and Omar Colley equalised five minutes later.

Ebrima Colley completed the turnaround in the second half, scoring in the 68th minute and again in the 90th to give The Scorpions an unexpected victory.

The result moved The Gambia temporarily to the top of Group C, pending Cote d’Ivoire’s match against Somalia later on Tuesday. Ghana, managed by Carlos Queiroz, will face Somalia twice in November, following a friendly against Morocco next week.

Cape Verde beaten at home

Cape Verde, who will compete at the 2026 World Cup but missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, were also beaten for the second time in qualifying.

The Blue Sharks lost 2-1 to Rwanda in Praia despite taking the lead through Benchimol in the 40th minute. Claude Niyomugabo levelled in first-half stoppage time, with Elie Iradukunda scoring the winner seven minutes after the interval.

Having also lost 3-1 to Mali, Cape Verde are bottom of their group without a point. Rwanda, meanwhile, have made a perfect start with six points from two matches.

The most emphatic result came in Guinea-Bissau, where the hosts defeated Nigeria 3-0.

Franculino put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute before Mama Balde doubled their advantage in the 66th. Alvaro Djalo added a third in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Nigeria, who were missing Victor Osimhen, struggled to create a response. The half-time introductions of Moses Usor and Moses Simon could not change the outcome.

The defeat will be particularly damaging for Eric Chelle’s side after they began qualifying with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar.

Because Tanzania are automatically qualified as co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, only one qualifying place is available from Nigeria’s group. The Super Eagles therefore have no room for another setback before their double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in November.