Guinea-Bissau have given Nigeria an early indication of the challenge awaiting the Super Eagles after opening their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Zanzibar.

Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scored either side of half-time as the Djurtus secured three valuable points at the New Amaan Complex on Friday.

Djú broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute before Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 58th minute, leaving Tanzania unable to find a response despite periods of pressure.

The result immediately changes the complexion of Group L, where Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar are competing for the qualification place available alongside already-qualified co-host Tanzania.

Under CAF’s qualification format, Tanzania are guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 because they are one of the three tournament hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Only the highest-ranked team among the other three Group L nations will claim the additional qualification ticket.  

The Djurtus now have three points before travelling to face Nigeria in Bissau on September 29, while Nigeria began their campaign against Madagascar on September 25.

CAF’s official fixture schedule confirms that Guinea-Bissau will host Nigeria in the second round of Group L matches, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.  

For Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, the result provides an early scouting reference ahead of the Super Eagles’ trip to West Africa.

Guinea-Bissau demonstrated their ability to punish opponents at crucial moments, with Djú opening the scoring before Baldé added the second less than 15 minutes into the second half.

The victory also represents an important start for coach Emiliano Té, who is attempting to guide Guinea-Bissau back to the continental championship after the country missed the 2025 AFCON. The Djurtus had previously qualified for four successive editions between 2017 and 2023.  

Tanzania’s defeat, meanwhile, carries no direct qualification consequence because the hosts are already guaranteed a place at the finals. However, the match provided a competitive examination for Miguel Gamondi’s side as they prepare for the tournament they will co-host next year.

The Tanzania Football Federation acknowledged that the Taifa Stars dominated significant periods of the game but conceded in both halves and could not convert their opportunities.  

The September 29 encounter will be more than another qualifying fixture. With only one qualification place available among the three non-host nations in the group, the meeting could prove important in determining the early shape of the race.

Nigeria’s opening two fixtures were always expected to be decisive, particularly because the Super Eagles began the campaign without injured striker Victor Osimhen. CAF had identified the Guinea-Bissau fixture as Nigeria’s second Group L assignment before the qualifiers began.  

Guinea-Bissau’s 2-0 victory means Chelle’s side will face an opponent arriving with confidence, momentum and three points already secured.

The Super Eagles will therefore travel to Bissau knowing that another positive result could be significant in establishing an early position in a qualification race where every point carries increased weight.