Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better side after Nigeria suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Bissau.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute. Álvaro Djaló completed the victory with a stoppage-time goal.
Chelle, after the match, acknowledged that his players couldn't match the hosts’ aggression and intensity.
“They were more aggressive than us… I think they were better than us in terms of personality.”
The coach also pointed to the difficult playing conditions, including the poor pitch and hot weather, but stressed that these factors should not be treated as an excuse.
Chelle revealed that he tried to change the team’s approach after half-time by encouraging more attacking play through the flanks.
He admitted that Nigeria stopped executing the plan after about 10 minutes. The defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points. Chelle said the Super Eagles must remain calm, learn from the setback and focus on the remaining fixtures.
He also apologised to Nigerian supporters and accepted responsibility for the disappointing performance.
Who will the Super Eagles face in the next AFCON 2027 qualifier?
The Super Eagles’ next 2027 AFCON qualifier is against Tanzania, and they will face Tanzania twice in the next qualifying window, which is from November 9-16, 2026
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