Super Eagles news: Chelle highlights 3 reasons for Nigeria’s loss to Guinea-Bissau – “Not very good”

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has expressed his disappointment following Nigeria's crushing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The three-time African champions were the favorites heading into their clash against the Djurtus at the Estádio 24 de Setembro. However, they failed to live up to expectations, as they were thoroughly outplayed and outwitted. Guinea-Bissau’s key players rose to the occasion, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé, and Álvaro Djaló all getting on the scoresheet.

​The defeat leaves Nigeria in a precarious position heading into the next round of qualifiers. The Super Eagles currently sit second in the group, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, and carry a significantly inferior goal difference. As it stands, Chelle's side is at a distinct disadvantage, particularly since only one team secures automatic qualification from the group.

​Chelle has faced severe criticism for the team's display — a humiliating loss against a side ranked 106 places below them in the FIFA rankings.

​Speaking after the match, the Franco-Malian tactician highlighted three main reasons for the defeat, citing adverse weather conditions, a poor playing surface, and a clear lack of aggression from his players.

​“They were more aggressive than us; they were better than us,” Chelle admitted in his post-match press conference.

​“Though this is no excuse, they know their pitch. They play on it regularly, whereas for us, it was the first time—and the pitch was in very bad shape. The weather was extremely hot as well.

​“Guinea-Bissau started the game with greater motivation and aggression. They played with higher intensity, and we never found an answer.

​“We tried to push forward after halftime to introduce something fresh, but after ten minutes, the momentum stalled, and I don't know why.”

Coach Éric Chelle faces the media after the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau#GNBNGA #AFCONQ pic.twitter.com/UYp0pOQxCQ

— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) September 29, 2026

Can the Super Eagles Still Qualify for AFCON 2027?

​As it stands, the Super Eagles still control their own destiny, but they must win all of their remaining fixtures — and do so convincingly.

​The reverse fixture against Guinea-Bissau is critical. In the event of a tie on points, CAF prioritizes head-to-head records over overall goal difference. Tuesday’s 3-0 loss leaves Nigeria in a difficult spot, meaning they must defeat Guinea-Bissau by an even wider margin in the return leg to hold the advantage.

​The qualifiers resume in November with a must-win double-header against Tanzania, followed by the final round of fixtures in 2027.

​Chelle must get his act together quickly and hope that talismanic striker Victor Osimhen returns to full fitness ahead of those decisive encounters.