Nigeria’s hopes of reaching AFCON 2027 suffered a major setback after Guinea-Bissau handed the Super Eagles a 3-0 defeat in Bissau, but Eric Chelle insists his team still has time to recover with four qualifying matches left, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles arrived in Bissau with three points from their opening 2-1 win over Madagascar, only to leave empty-handed after Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló found the net for the hosts. Guinea-Bissau are now six points at the top of Group L, while Nigeria remain on three.
The situation is more demanding because Tanzania, one of the three AFCON 2027 co-hosts, are already guaranteed a place at the tournament. Only the highest-placed team apart from Tanzania will qualify from Group L, leaving Nigeria with little room for another poor result.
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Chelle keeps faith after Super Eagles suffer heavy defeat
The November fixtures against Tanzania will be Nigeria’s next chance to repair the damage. Chelle knows his side must win both matches before facing Guinea-Bissau again at home.
“This is not the end, we have lots of games to play,” Chelle said after the defeat.
“We have two games against Tanzania in November, they are very important games, we have to win both. Also Guinea Bissau will come down to Uyo and we have to put them in the same conditions we found ourselves here.”
Nigeria have four matches left to change the direction of their AFCON 2027 campaign, beginning with the two meetings against Tanzania. Chelle admitted the current position is uncomfortable, but rejected the idea that Tuesday’s result had ended Nigeria’s chances.
“In four games, a lot of things can happen, but the situation is not very, very good.”
The coach also accepted that Guinea-Bissau deserved their victory, as Nigeria were unable to match the hosts’ intensity or find a way through their defence.
“They were more aggressive than us, more motivated. We never found a solution,” Chelle admitted.
