Chelle Admits Guinea-Bissau Were Better In 3-0 Defeat

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better side after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Djurtus in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau.

The Djurtus produced a dominant performance at the 24 de Setembro Stadium, with Franculino Dju opening the scoring in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 66th minute.

Álvaro Djaló then completed the rout in added time as Guinea-Bissau condemned the Super Eagles to a heavy defeat.

Chelle, speaking at his post-match press conference, acknowledged that the hosts deserved their victory.

‘Guinea-Bissau were better and deserved the victory. We have to recognise the defeat,’ the Frenchman said.

The Super Eagles made a positive start to the encounter but struggled to maintain their intensity as the game progressed.

‘We started the game well, but then we dropped in performance. In football, anything can happen. Guinea-Bissau played better and won with merit,’ Chelle added.

The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON, but Chelle insists the result will not determine the outcome of the qualification campaign.

The Super Eagles coach promised that his team would step up preparations and seek a response in the return fixture on Nigerian soil.

‘We will continue to work, prepare the team better and do everything to win the next game and give joy to the Nigerian people,’ he said.

Chelle also described the defeat in Bissau as a major test of his leadership, while insisting that he would continue to respect every opponent.

‘Losing in Guinea-Bissau was a big test for me. As Nigeria’s coach, I will continue to work hard, without belittling any opponent,’ he concluded.