Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside has rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau was simply a consequence of Victor Osimhen’s absence, insisting the national team possessed more than enough quality to win without the Galatasaray striker.
Nigeria were comprehensively beaten in Bissau, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring as Eric Chelle suffered his first defeat of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The result left Nigeria on three points from two matches after opening with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
Peterside described the performance and result as unacceptable, stressing that a country with Nigeria’s depth should not become overly dependent on one footballer.
Osimhen missed both opening qualifiers after his recovery from a muscle injury took longer than expected. Chelle still had attacking options including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor available for the international window.
While acknowledging Osimhen’s enormous importance to the Super Eagles, Peterside maintained that his absence could not reasonably explain a three-goal defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
“We cannot say because Osimhen is not there, Nigeria cannot play football,” Peterside said, rejecting the idea that the Super Eagles have become a one-man team.
The former international, who also played for South African club Moroka Swallows, believes the defeat should instead force the players to reassess the seriousness and intensity they bring to international assignments.
Nigeria struggled to impose themselves in Bissau, conceding after only 15 minutes before Guinea-Bissau added two more goals in the second half.
Peterside nevertheless backed Chelle’s side to recover, with Tuesday’s friendly against Russia providing the first opportunity to produce a response. The Super Eagles travelled with a heavily altered squad after injuries, club restrictions and documentation issues reduced Chelle’s options.
For Peterside, the lesson from Bissau must extend beyond Osimhen.
Nigeria will undoubtedly be stronger when their leading striker returns, but Peterside’s message is that the Super Eagles cannot allow the presence, or absence of one superstar to determine whether an entire national team can compete.
