Chelle says Guinea-Bissau out-aggressed Super Eagles in 3-0 AFCON loss
Chelle admits Guinea-Bissau were more aggressive and intense than Nigeria in the 3-0 defeat at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday, 24 September 2026, in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The loss follows a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, leaving Nigeria with mixed results in Group L. Speaking after the match, Chelle said Guinea-Bissau showed greater personality and motivation, while his side failed to match that aggression, noting the difficult pitch and poor weather but stressing they were not an excuse. He added that although he tried to shift the team to attack through the flanks after halftime, creating one‑on‑one chances, the approach faded after ten minutes and he could not explain why. Chelle urged the squad to assess the performance objectively, stressing that the campaign is not over and that the two November fixtures against Tanzania are vital for qualification hopes. He expressed confidence in the players to bounce back, saying the team knows its strengths and weaknesses and must stay focused and calm for the remaining matches against Madagascar and a return leg versus Guinea-Bissau.