Super Eagles Stumble in Bissau: Chelle Accepts Blame After 3-0 Defeat

​The Super Eagles’ journey toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a major setback on Tuesday as they were comprehensively defeated 3–0 by a dominant Guinea-Bissau side at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro.

​The Group L encounter exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the Nigerian team, marking head coach Eric Chelle’s first heavy defeat since taking charge. Franculino Djú set the tone for the hosts in the 15th minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses to slot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Despite tactical adjustments at halftime—including the introduction of Moses Usor and Moses Simon—Nigeria failed to puncture a resolute Djurtus defense.

​Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, exploiting open spaces before substitute Álvaro Djaló hammered the final nail into the coffin with a stoppage-time strike in the 95th minute.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Speaking after the match, a candid Chelle conceded that his side was outplayed. “They were more aggressive than us and I think they were better than us,” the Malian tactician admitted. He also pointed to the intense weather and difficult pitch conditions as compounding factors, though he stressed that his team lacked the necessary intensity to find a breakthrough.

​The result leaves Guinea-Bissau firmly at the summit of Group L with six points from two matches, while the Super Eagles sit on three points. With Tanzania already assured of a berth as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria will need to recalibrate ahead of their crucial back-to-back fixtures against Tanzania in November to steer their qualification campaign back on track.