Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has said all hopes are not lost despite his team’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, in Tuesday’s matchday 2, Group L 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria were outclassed at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, just three days after defeating Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo to kick off their campaign.
The loss means the three-time African champions are second on three points from two games, while Guinea-Bissau maintain top spot on six points from the same number of games played.
Reflecting after the loss, Chelle admitted Guinea-Bissau were the better team, but said the poor pitch and hot weather condition affected his players.
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“They were more aggressive than us, they were better than us,” Chelle’s said. “Though this is not an excuse but they know their pitch, they usually play on this pitch but for us it was the first time and the pitch was very bad and the weather was very hot too. So Guinea-Bissau entered the game more motivated, more aggressive, they put more intensity and we never found a solution .
“We tried to go forward after halftime, to bring something new but after 10 minutes we stopped and I don’t know why. But this is not the end because there are lots of games to play, we have two games against Tanzania in November and we have to win both games. After that we have Guinea-Bissau in Uyo and we need to put them in the same condition we had here.”
The Malian added:”The situation is not very good but I am very confident about my team, we have four more games and anything can happen so we have to stay focus, calm, we know our strength and weaknesses and today was s bad day for us but I am still confident about my team and my players.”
By James Agberebi
