The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation over the condition of the pitch used for the Super Eagles’ 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
CAF has also reportedly banned the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau from hosting further matches in the ongoing qualifying campaign, according to a report by OwnGoalNigeria.
Nigeria suffered their first defeat of the Group L campaign at the stadium on September 29, with goals from Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló giving Guinea-Bissau a convincing victory.
The playing surface had already attracted attention before kick-off, with Nigeria coach Éric Chelle acknowledging its poor condition after the Super Eagles trained at the venue on the eve of the match.
According to the report, concerns over the surface were also raised within the Nigerian camp, with players advised to assess the potential injury risks and communicate with their clubs before the fixture.
The condition of the pitch was not only a concern for Nigeria, with Guinea-Bissau officials and players also reportedly unhappy with the playing surface.
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CAF has now explained to the NFF that the pitch was not in the same condition when the venue was inspected and approved to host the fixture.
Guinea-Bissau had initially been required to stage their home matches outside the country because of concerns surrounding the stadium. The country subsequently carried out extensive renovation work and secured approval to use the venue for the qualifier, but the playing surface deteriorated again before Nigeria’s visit.
The reported CAF decision means Guinea-Bissau will have to identify another approved venue for their remaining home matches in the qualifying campaign.
The development comes after the poor pitch became one of the major talking points surrounding Nigeria’s defeat, although it was not the only factor behind the result.
Chelle refused to use the playing surface as an excuse after the match, accepting responsibility for the performance and admitting Guinea-Bissau were the better side.
The defeat left Nigeria on three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after following their opening 2-0 away victory over Tanzania with another win.
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The Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, but now face a more difficult path to the 2027 AFCON as they attempt to recover from the setback in Bissau.
For Guinea-Bissau must now find a suitable alternative venue that meets CAF’s requirements for their remaining home fixtures.
The 3-0 result stands, but the 24 de Setembro Stadium will reportedly no longer be part of Guinea-Bissau’s qualifying campaign.
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