CAF Reportedly Apologises to NFF Over Poor Pitch in Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the poor condition of the pitch used for the Super Eagles’ 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria suffered a disappointing defeat at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau on September 29, with goals from Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló securing all three points for the hosts.

The condition of the playing surface attracted significant criticism, with heavy rainfall leaving the pitch soft, uneven and waterlogged throughout the encounter.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle acknowledged the difficult conditions after the match but refused to use them as an excuse for the defeat.

“I apologise to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side. The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibility,” Chelle said.

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko subsequently questioned how the venue had been approved to host an international fixture, while forward Akor Adams described a good playing surface as “the bare minimum” for African football.

According to reports, the NFF formally complained to CAF over the state of the pitch. The continental governing body is said to have apologised, explaining that the playing surface was not in its current deteriorated condition when the stadium was initially inspected and approved.

CAF has also reportedly banned the Estádio 24 de Setembro from hosting any further matches in the ongoing 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Guinea-Bissau had previously been forced to play their home matches in Morocco because of concerns over their football infrastructure before the Bissau stadium was eventually approved.

The development has renewed questions over CAF’s stadium inspection and approval processes, particularly regarding playing conditions and player safety.

The Super Eagles currently have three points from their opening two Group L matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 before the defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria will face Tanzania twice in November as they look to strengthen their position in the race for qualification.