AFCON qualifiers: ‘It’s my first time of seeing Super Eagles like this’ – Chelle vows to punish Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has vowed that Nigeria will respond strongly when the team faces Guinea-Bissau again in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Djurtus at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday, a result that moved Guinea-Bissau to the top of Group L and strengthened their position in the qualification race.

Chelle, however, insisted that Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive, stressing that the team must secure victories in both matches against Tanzania in November.

“To be very objective about this game, this is not the end. We have many games to play,” Chelle told reporters after the match.

“We have two fixtures against Tanzania in November. We must secure victories in both matches. Subsequently, Guinea-Bissau will travel to Uyo, and we have to put them in the same condition that we are in here.”

The coach said he remained confident in his squad despite the heavy defeat, describing the performance as an unusual one for the team.

“I maintain considerable confidence in my team. Today was not a favourable occasion for us. This is the first time that I have seen my team like that, so we will have to go forward,” he said.

Chelle added that the matches against Tanzania would be crucial to Nigeria’s qualification campaign, while noting that the team still had fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to come.

“Both games against Tanzania are very important. Subsequently, there is the concluding match against Madagascar and thereafter Guinea-Bissau. Numerous possibilities can materialise,” he said.

The Super Eagles currently occupy second position in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau lead the group with six points and a superior goal difference.