Éric Chelle has accepted responsibility for Nigeria’s 3–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles struggled throughout Tuesday’s Group L clash at the Estádio 24 de Setembro. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Mama Baldé doubled the lead after the break. Álvaro Djaló then completed the win in stoppage time.
Nigeria entered the match after a 2–1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. George Ilenikhena scored on his senior international debut. Moses Usor then netted the winning goal on his own debut. Ilenikhena also came off the bench against Guinea-Bissau and tested goalkeeper Manuel Embadjé late in the game.
Chelle admits Guinea-Bissau deserved the win
Chelle did not hide his disappointment after the result. The Nigeria coach acknowledged Guinea-Bissau’s superior performance.
More Read
“I apologize to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side. The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibilities.”
The result leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two qualifiers. Guinea-Bissau now lead Group L with six points after following their opening 2–0 victory over Tanzania with another win.
Nigeria struggled to respond
Guinea-Bissau took control early through Djú. The forward created space before curling his effort into the far corner.
Nigeria tried to respond before the interval. Alex Iwobi created a chance for Ademola Lookman. However, the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper made the save.
The hosts increased their advantage in the second half. Baldé beat Bright Osayi-Samuel before finishing low into the corner.
Chelle then introduced George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika. Ilenikhena almost pulled one back in the 85th minute. Embadjé again denied the Nigerian forward.
Djaló eventually added the third goal in stoppage time. His finish sealed Guinea-Bissau’s second win of the qualifying campaign.
A setback in Group L
The defeat puts Nigeria under pressure after two rounds of qualifying. The Super Eagles started with three points against Madagascar but could not build on that result in Bissau.
Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts. That leaves the remaining qualification place in Group L for the highest-placed team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar.
Nigeria will therefore need a strong response in their remaining fixtures.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
