Dimeji Lawal criticises Super Eagles after Guinea-Bissau defeat

Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal says the Super Eagles were poor in their 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria struggled to impose themselves in Bissau as the hosts took control early and secured a convincing victory.

Franculino Dju put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute, curling a precise shot beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The hosts maintained their advantage after the interval and extended it through Mama Balde in the 66th minute. Alvaro Djalo completed the scoring deep into stoppage time to confirm Guinea-Bissau’s second win of the qualifying campaign.

Lawal, who was speaking to Completesports.com, said Nigeria had failed to show the attacking intent he expected from the team.

“I expected the team to take the game straight to their hosts, but we allowed them to dominate and created very few chances to threaten their goalkeeper,” Lawal said.

The former international admitted he was disappointed by the result but believes Nigeria still have enough time to recover in the group.

“I really feel disappointed with this result, but that is not the end of the world because there are still many matches to play in the group. I am still optimistic the Super Eagles will top the group.”

The defeat leaves Nigeria on three points from two matches. The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar but were unable to build on that result in Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, moved to six points at the top of the group after winning both of their matches. Their first victory was a 2-0 success against Tanzania.

The result gives Guinea-Bissau a strong early position in Group L, while Nigeria must respond in their remaining fixtures if they are to challenge for top spot.