Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed to revive Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, insisting his side must secure maximum points from their double-header against Tanzania in November.
Chelle’s confidence comes despite Nigeria’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, a result that dealt a major blow to the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.
The defeat was particularly disappointing after Nigeria opened their qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo. 
Reflecting on the heavy loss, Chelle admitted that Guinea-Bissau were the better team, acknowledging that their aggression, intensity and determination proved decisive.
“They were more aggressive than us,” the Franco-Malian coach said after the match.
Despite the setback, Chelle maintained that Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive, shifting his attention to the crucial back-to-back encounters against Tanzania in November.
“We have two games against Tanzania in November, we have to win both games,” he stated.
The Super Eagles coach also pointed to Nigeria’s upcoming home fixture against Guinea-Bissau as another opportunity to recover lost ground and settle scores after the disappointing defeat in Bissau.
With four matches remaining in the qualifying campaign, Nigeria still have opportunities to turn their fortunes around. The remaining fixtures include two meetings with Tanzania, a return clash against Guinea-Bissau and another encounter with Madagascar.
Chelle did not hide his disappointment with the team’s performance in Bissau, describing it as the worst display he had witnessed from his players.
However, he expressed continued faith in the squad, urging the players to take lessons from the defeat and remain focused on securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
For the Super Eagles, the November double-header against Tanzania could prove crucial in determining the direction of their qualifying campaign.
