They Were Better Than Us – Chelle Speaks After Super Eagles Shock Loss To Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better side after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Bissau on Tuesday.

Guinea-Bissau took control of the Group L encounter at the Estádio 24 de Setembro, with Franculino Djú opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 66th minute before Álvaro Djaló completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Nigeria struggled to find a response throughout the encounter despite making changes in an attempt to turn the game around. Chelle introduced Moses Simon and Moses Usor at the beginning of the second half, but the changes did not produce the desired result.

Speaking after the match, Chelle acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau displayed greater aggression and intensity and said his team failed to find a solution against the hosts.

“They were more aggressive than us and I think they were better than us,” the coach said.

The Franco-Malian tactician also pointed to the playing conditions in Bissau, including the pitch and the hot weather, as factors that made the encounter more difficult for his players. However, he acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau adapted better and maintained greater intensity during the match.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from two Group L matches after the Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo. Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have six points after winning their opening two matches.

With Tanzania already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria faces increased pressure to collect points in its remaining qualifying fixtures. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Tanzania in the next qualifying window in November.

Despite the heavy defeat, Chelle expressed confidence that Nigeria can recover in the upcoming matches.

“We have two games next against Tanzania and I’m very confident about my team, but today was not good. It’s the first time that I have seen my team like that. We have to go forward,” he said.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Nigeria seeking to secure one of the available qualification places from Group L.