CAF Apologises To Nigeria, Bans Guinea-Bissau Stadium Over Poor Pitch
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the poor condition of the pitch used for Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to 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 more matches in the ongoing qualifying campaign, according to OwnGoalNigeria.
Nigeria suffered their first defeat in Group L on September 29, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring for Guinea-Bissau.
The poor condition of the pitch was noticed before the match. Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle had also spoken about the surface after Nigeria’s training session at the stadium before the game.
Reports said members of the Nigerian camp were concerned about possible injury risks from the pitch and advised players to consider the situation before the match.
The condition of the playing surface was reportedly also a concern for Guinea-Bissau officials and players.
CAF has now reportedly told the NFF that the pitch was not in the same condition when the stadium was inspected and approved to host the match.
Guinea-Bissau had previously been forced to play their home matches outside the country because of problems with the stadium. After renovation work, the venue was approved again, but the pitch reportedly deteriorated before Nigeria’s visit.
The reported ban means Guinea-Bissau will have to find another CAF-approved stadium for their remaining home matches in the qualifiers.
Chelle, however, refused to blame the pitch for Nigeria’s defeat. The coach accepted responsibility for the result and admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better team on the day.
The defeat left Nigeria with three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after winning their first two games.
The Super Eagles had started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo but now face a tougher challenge as they look to recover from the defeat in Bissau.
The 3-0 result remains unchanged, but the 24 de Setembro Stadium is reportedly no longer allowed to host Guinea-Bissau’s remaining home fixtures in the qualifying campaign.
