Chelle accepts responsibility after Super Eagles suffer Guinea-Bissau defeat
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has apologised to Nigeria supporters and accepted responsibility after the team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria struggled to impose themselves during Tuesday’s Group L encounter at the Estádio 24 de Setembro, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló finding the net for the hosts.
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The defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved top of the group with six points.
Chelle admits Guinea-Bissau were better
Chelle made no attempt to hide his disappointment after the heavy defeat, conceding that the hosts deserved their victory.
“I apologize to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side. The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibilities,” the Nigeria coach said.
Guinea-Bissau took control early when Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute, creating space before curling his effort into the far corner.
Nigeria struggled to find a response before half-time, although Alex Iwobi created an opportunity for Ademola Lookman that was saved by goalkeeper Manuel Embadjé.
The hosts remained in control after the break and doubled their advantage through captain Baldé, who beat Bright Osayi-Samuel before sending a low finish into the corner.
Nigeria unable to find a way back
Chelle made changes as Nigeria searched for a response, with George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika among those introduced.
Ilenikhena, who scored on his senior international debut against Madagascar in Nigeria’s opening qualifier, came close to reducing the deficit in the 85th minute.
However, Embadjé produced another save to deny the young forward and preserve Guinea-Bissau’s two-goal advantage.
The hosts then completed the victory in stoppage time when substitute Djaló finished another attack to make it 3-0.
Nigeria had started the qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, with Ilenikhena and Moses Usor both scoring on their international debuts.
Super Eagles face pressure in Group L
The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a response in their remaining fixtures if they are to secure the group’s qualification place.
Guinea-Bissau have won both of their opening matches, having previously defeated Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria have one victory and one defeat.
Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, meaning the remaining qualification spot from Group L will be contested by Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.