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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.

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Portugal produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Denmark 4-2 in their UEFA Nations League League A encounter on Thursday, October 1, despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Joao Cancelo opened the scoring for Portugal in the 13th minute, lifting the ball over Denmark goalkeeper Mads Hermansen after finding space inside the penalty area.

Denmark responded quickly, with Mikkel Damsgaard equalising eight minutes later with a superb effort from outside the box.

Portugal regained the lead in the 25th minute through Goncalo Ramos, who collected a pass inside the area before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Hermansen.

The hosts levelled again shortly after the interval when Rasmus Hojlund produced an excellent finish in the 53rd minute, lifting the ball over Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make it 2-2.

Portugal, however, regained control as the match entered its final stages. Vitinha restored their advantage in the 67th minute, heading Bruno Fernandes’ cross into the bottom-left corner.

Joao Felix then completed the scoring seven minutes from full time, finishing a team move after being played through by Diogo Dalot.

Denmark pushed for another response but Portugal’s defence held firm during the closing stages.

The victory highlighted Portugal’s attacking depth, with Ramos, Vitinha and Felix all making decisive contributions in the absence of Ronaldo.

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Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is mourning the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The news has plunged the Partey family into mourning, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding Jacob Teye Partey’s death have not been disclosed. Funeral and burial arrangements are also yet to be announced by the family.

Thomas Partey had not publicly commented on the death of his father at the time of the reports, as the family comes to terms with the loss.

Jacob Teye Partey played an important role in his son’s football journey and was among the people who supported Thomas during the early stages of his career.

An old interview involving Thomas Partey has resurfaced following his father’s death, highlighting some of the sacrifices Jacob made to help his son pursue his football ambitions.

In a 2018 interview, Thomas recalled that his father sold personal belongings to help him obtain football boots during the formative stages of his career.

The support reportedly went beyond providing equipment. In a separate account, Jacob Teye Partey was said to have sold land and other properties to help finance his son’s move from Ghana to Spain.

That move eventually opened the door to a professional career in Europe, with Thomas joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2011.

The midfielder gradually progressed through the Spanish club’s system before establishing himself in the senior team. He later became one of Ghana’s prominent international players and went on to play in the English Premier League for Arsenal.

Thomas Partey currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

The death of his father has therefore brought renewed attention to the family support behind the footballer’s rise from Ghana to the international stage.

For many young footballers, the journey to professional football involves significant sacrifices from parents and relatives, particularly when opportunities require travel, equipment and financial support. Jacob’s reported contribution to his son’s career has been highlighted in reports following his passing.

The news has also generated messages of sympathy from members of the Ghanaian football community and supporters, who have expressed condolences to Thomas Partey and the wider family.

Further details about Jacob Teye Partey’s funeral are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

As the Partey family mourns, attention remains on the private loss experienced by the Ghana midfielder and the important role his father played during the early stages of his football journey.