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| Eric Chelle speaking ahead of the Nigeria vs Bissau match |
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle addressed the media after Nigeria’s 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday in Bissau.
The Franco-Malian coach openly admitted his side were second best, saying the hosts showed greater aggression and intensity throughout the match at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro. Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored the goals that left Nigeria trailing the Group L leaders.
Chelle pointed to the poor pitch and intense heat as factors that complicated the evening for his players, who were facing those conditions for the first time. He stressed these were not full excuses and accepted responsibility for the performance.
“They were more aggressive than us; they were better than us,” he said. The coach noted his team tried to push forward after half-time but lost momentum within ten minutes and never found a solution.
Looking ahead, Chelle outlined the next steps and issued a clear message about the return fixture. He said Nigeria must win both November matches against Tanzania before hosting Guinea-Bissau at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
“When Guinea-Bissau comes to Nigeria, we have to put them in the same situation, in the same conditions too,” he stated, referring to the difficult environment his side experienced in Bissau. The Super Eagles sit on three points after two games as they prepare to recover ground in the group.
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