The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly banned Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro from hosting further matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series following concerns over the condition of the playing surface according to multiple reports.
The decision comes after Guinea-Bissau hosted Nigeria in their Matchday 2 Group L encounter at the Bissau stadium on September 29, with the Super Eagles suffering a 3–0 defeat.
Concerns had been raised over the state of the pitch before and during the fixture, with the playing surface affected by heavy rainfall. The condition of the pitch became one of the talking points surrounding the match as both teams struggled with the playing conditions.
CAF has also reportedly apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), explaining that the condition of the pitch had deteriorated after the stadium was inspected and approved for the fixture.
Guinea-Bissau had previously been required to play their home matches outside the country, with Morocco serving as an alternative venue, before the 24 de Setembro Stadium was approved again following renovation work.
The defeat was Nigeria’s first loss of the qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles remain on three points from two matches, having opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after recording their second consecutive win.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring for the hosts before Mama Baldé added a second, with Álvaro Djaló completing Guinea-Bissau’s 3–0 victory in stoppage time.
