Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has reflected on their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
The loss came just three days after Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their first fixture.
Chelle’s men were subpar against the Djurtus and went behind in the first half to a goal from Franculino Djú.
After the break, Mama Baldé made it 2-0 before Álvaro Djaló added a third in stoppage time.
Chelle, speaking to the media after the game, admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better team.
He also claimed that the poor pitch and hot weather conditions affected his players.
“They were more aggressive than us; they were better than us,” Chelle said.
“Though this is not an excuse, they know their pitch. They usually play on this pitch, but for us, it was the first time, and the pitch was very bad. The weather was very hot too.
“So, Guinea-Bissau entered the game more motivated and 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.”