Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau outperformed Nigeria in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat, saying the hosts showed greater aggression and intensity in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau.
The result leaves Nigeria with three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau move to six points after securing back-to-back victories.
The Djurtus had opened their campaign with a 2-0 away win over co-hosts Tanzania, while Nigeria began with a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar.
Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute at the Estádio 24 de Setembro, curling the ball beyond Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after creating space inside the Nigerian defence.
Nigeria struggled to establish control for much of the opening half as the hosts defended their lead and continued to pose a threat in attack.
Chelle responded at the interval by introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi in an attempt to increase Nigeria’s attacking threat.
However, the changes did not produce the desired turnaround. Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute, taking the hosts further out of Nigeria’s reach.
Nigeria had an opportunity to reduce the deficit late in the match when George Ilenikhena was denied by Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadje in the 87th minute.
Álvaro Djaló then completed the rout in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sealing a 3-0 victory and handing Chelle his first defeat as Super Eagles coach.
Despite Nigeria having 55 per cent possession and registering 12 shots, the Super Eagles struggled to translate their possession into clear-cut opportunities. Guinea-Bissau also recorded 12 shots but had seven on target, compared with Nigeria’s five.
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Speaking after the match, Chelle acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau had been the superior side. “They were more aggressive than us; they were better than us,” Chelle said.
The coach also cited the playing conditions as factors that affected his team, while stressing that he did not intend to use them as an excuse.
“Though this is not an excuse, they know their pitch. They usually play on this pitch, but for us, it was the first time, and the pitch was very bad. The weather was very hot too,” he said.
Chelle said Guinea-Bissau entered the match with greater motivation and intensity, leaving Nigeria unable to find an effective response.
“So, Guinea-Bissau entered the game more motivated and more aggressive. They put more intensity, and we never found a solution,” he said.
He added that Nigeria attempted to change the pattern of the match after the interval but failed to sustain the effort.
“We tried to go forward after halftime, to bring something new, but after 10 minutes, we stopped, and I don’t know why,” Chelle added.
The defeat is particularly significant because of the qualification structure in Group L. Tanzania are one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament and are already guaranteed a place in the finals, meaning only the highest-placed team other than Tanzania will qualify from the group.
Nigeria therefore face increased pressure in their remaining fixtures against Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group with six points, while Nigeria have three.
The Super Eagles will next have an opportunity to regroup during the October international window before continuing their qualification campaign.
For Chelle, the immediate task will be to address the defensive and attacking shortcomings exposed in Bissau and ensure Nigeria recover points in their remaining Group L fixtures.
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