One of the biggest upsets in the annals of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying occurred on Friday when Nigeria fell 1-0 to Guinea-Bissau at home.
The Djurtus (Wild Dogs) won Group A after only 30 minutes in Abuja with to a goal from Mama Balde, a player for French top-tier team Troyes.
Halfway through the six-round mini-league, Guinea-Bissau, which is placed 113 in the FIFA world rankings, has seven points, followed by Nigeria with six, Sierra Leone with two, and Sao Tome & Principe with one. The top two finishers advance to the championship round.
Nigeria, who are now ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings and had prolific Napoli scorer Victor Osimhen on their roster, were heavy favorites to win at home and increase their lead to five points.
The Super Eagles struggled to generate clear-cut scoring opportunities in the capital city following a promising start in which Osimhen nearly scored after 16 minutes.
Balde raced on to a lofted pass as the game approached the halfway point and beat goalkeeper Francis Uzoho with a low effort.
Soon after, with the Nigerian defense in chaos, Guinea-Bissau came close to doubling their advantage, but Euciodalcio “Dalcio” Gomes struck the side netting.
Osimhen grew increasingly irritated as poor delivery and close marking limited his danger. He has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal.
In a shocking Group K result, West Africans Liberia rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with South Africa in Soweto after Mohammed Sangare’s injury-time goal.
In the first half, Lyle Foster scored twice for the home team, while Tonia Tisdell cut the margin in half heading into the fourth quarter.