By Stanley Onwudiwe
Super Eagles
coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria will have an opportunity to respond when
Guinea-Bissau visit Uyo, after the Djurtus handed his side a heavy 3-0 defeat
in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau.
Chelle admitted the performance was unlike anything he had
seen from his team since taking charge. He said Nigeria must now put the
setback behind them and focus on the remaining matches, starting with two
crucial meetings with Tanzania.
The defeat left Nigeria on three points in Group L, while
Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after winning both of their opening matches.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place as co-hosts, the group offers only one
qualifying place to the highest-ranked non-host nation.
Speaking after Tuesday’s match, Chelle said the result had
not ended Nigeria’s campaign. He believes victories in both November fixtures
against Tanzania will be essential before the Super Eagles face Madagascar and
later welcome Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigerian coach also made clear that the return fixture
in Uyo carries particular significance. He said his players would want
Guinea-Bissau to experience the kind of pressure Nigeria faced during the night
in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau had already shown their strength by beating
Tanzania 2-0 in their opening match before producing an even bigger result
against Nigeria. Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored as the
hosts secured their second win.
For Nigeria, the immediate task is recovery. Chelle has
maintained confidence in his squad despite the defeat, but the Super Eagles now
face a much tighter qualification race, with every remaining Group L match
carrying greater importance.
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