diff --git a/bitbake/lib/bb/providers.py b/bitbake/lib/bb/providers.py
index 0c87dfd4bc..32b2261eb0 100644
--- a/bitbake/lib/bb/providers.py
+++ b/bitbake/lib/bb/providers.py
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ def _filterProviders(providers, item, cfgData, dataCache):
 
     if len(eligible) == 0:
         logger.error("no eligible providers for %s", item)
-        return 0
+        return eligible
 
     # If pn == item, give it a slight default preference
     # This means PREFERRED_PROVIDER_foobar defaults to foobar if available