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Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has admitted Guinea Bissau were more aggressive and more motivated as Nigeria slipped to defeat in their 2027 AFCON qualifier, but insisted the campaign is far from over.
“They were more aggressive than us,” Chelle said. “When you try to score, when you try to make a cross, you need this aggressiveness in your state of mind to make a difference. I think they were better than us in personal duels.”
The coach pointed to the playing conditions. “This is not an apology, but they know their pitch, they usually play on it. For us it was the first time, and the pitch was very, very bad. The weather was very hot too.”
Chelle said the hosts came out with greater intensity and the Super Eagles never found an answer. “Guinea Bissau entered the game, like I said, more motivated, more aggressive. They put in more intensity and we never found the solution.”
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He said his side tried to change things after the break by using the wide areas, but the effort faded. “After 10 minutes, we stopped. I don’t know why,” he admitted. “We have to be very objective about this game.”
Looking ahead, Chelle stressed there was still plenty of football to play. “This is not the end. We have a lot of games left. We have to win against Tanzania in November.”
He also promised to return the favour when Guinea Bissau visit Uyo. “When they come to Nigeria, we have to put them in the same condition that we were in in Guinea Bissau. The situation is not very good, but we have two games against Tanzania, and we will receive Guinea Bissau at home.”
Despite the setback, the coach expressed faith in his squad. “I’m very confident about my team, about this group. Today was not a good day for us.”
