Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, admitting the Wild Dogs deserved their victory while refusing to hide completely behind the difficult playing surface in Bissau.
Nigeria went into Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier hoping to build on their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar, but instead endured a chastening evening at the 24 de Setembro Stadium.
“I apologise to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side,” Chelle said in his post-match reaction. “The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibility.”
The result represented Chelle’s first defeat as Super Eagles head coach and left Nigeria on three points from their opening two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after consecutive victories.
Nigeria were punished as early as the 15th minute when Franculino Djú gave the hosts the lead. Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute before Álvaro Djaló completed the 3-0 scoreline in stoppage time.
The condition of the pitch had dominated discussion before kick-off. Chelle had acknowledged concerns after inspecting the surface but insisted beforehand that Nigeria would have to adapt rather than use it as an excuse.
“I don’t want to say the pitch is good or the pitch is bad,” he said before the match. “We just need to stay focused on our game project.”
Guinea-Bissau coach Emiliano Té had similarly admitted that the surface was far from ideal, noting that his own players also had to deal with the difficult conditions.
That makes Chelle’s post-match acceptance of responsibility particularly significant.
Rather than attribute the defeat solely to the terrain, the Franco-Malian conceded that Nigeria had been second best on a night when Guinea-Bissau were more clinical and effective.
The defeat has immediately increased the pressure on the Super Eagles in a qualifying group where Tanzania’s automatic qualification as co-hosts leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar battling for the remaining ticket.
For Chelle, there was therefore little attempt to disguise the scale of the setback.
The pitch was bad, but Guinea-Bissau were better — and the Super Eagles coach has accepted that Nigeria must take responsibility for a painful night in Bissau.
