Nigeria and Ghana suffer huge AFCON 2027 qualifying shocks
African football giants Nigeria and Ghana suffered unexpected defeats in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The results have increased pressure on coaches and sparked frustration among local fans.
Why it matters
International football results have significant cultural and social impacts in West Africa, often influencing national morale and sports management.
The Gambia come back to beat Ghana 4-2, while Guinea Bissau beat Nigeria 3-0 despite seven Premier League starters.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has overseen two defeats to begin ACFON 2027 qualifying [Dave Shopland/AP] By Reuters Published On 30 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 West African giants Ghana and Nigeria both suffered chastening defeats in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers late Tuesday, while Algeria fought back from two goals down to avoid a shock loss to Burundi.
Tiny Cape Verde, who won legions of admirers with their gutsy exploits at this year’s World Cup, also went down in a surprise home loss to Rwanda.
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