Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has apologised to Nigerians following the team’s stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, admitting the Wild Dogs deserved their victory while refusing to hide completely behind the difficult playing surface in Bissau.

Nigeria went into Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier hoping to build on their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar, but instead endured a chastening evening at the 24 de Setembro Stadium.

“I apologise to the fans. Guinea-Bissau were the better side,” Chelle said in his post-match reaction. “The pitch is also bad, but we accept responsibility.”

The result represented Chelle’s first defeat as Super Eagles head coach and left Nigeria on three points from their opening two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after consecutive victories.

Nigeria were punished as early as the 15th minute when Franculino Djú gave the hosts the lead. Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute before Álvaro Djaló completed the 3-0 scoreline in stoppage time.

The condition of the pitch had dominated discussion before kick-off. Chelle had acknowledged concerns after inspecting the surface but insisted beforehand that Nigeria would have to adapt rather than use it as an excuse.

“I don’t want to say the pitch is good or the pitch is bad,” he said before the match. “We just need to stay focused on our game project.”

Guinea-Bissau coach Emiliano Té had similarly admitted that the surface was far from ideal, noting that his own players also had to deal with the difficult conditions.

That makes Chelle’s post-match acceptance of responsibility particularly significant.

Rather than attribute the defeat solely to the terrain, the Franco-Malian conceded that Nigeria had been second best on a night when Guinea-Bissau were more clinical and effective.

The defeat has immediately increased the pressure on the Super Eagles in a qualifying group where Tanzania’s automatic qualification as co-hosts leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar battling for the remaining ticket.

For Chelle, there was therefore little attempt to disguise the scale of the setback.

The pitch was bad, but Guinea-Bissau were better — and the Super Eagles coach has accepted that Nigeria must take responsibility for a painful night in Bissau.

Nasarawa Amazons and Falconets midfielder Joy Igbokwe has received a major boost in her young career after earning a call-up to the Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros.

Sports247 reports that the 20-year-old midfielder has been rewarded for her consistent performances at club and youth international level, with interim Super Falcons head coach Augustine Eguavoen handing her an opportunity to step up to the senior national team.

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Nigeria are scheduled to face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Comoros are officially designated as the home side for the first leg on Friday, October 9, while the return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.

Both matches will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, with Comoros unable to host the first leg at home because they do not have a CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures.

Igbokwe’s promotion to the senior national team comes after several impressive campaigns with the Falconets and Nasarawa Amazons. Regarded as a composed midfielder and strong leader on the pitch, she has established herself as an important figure in Nigeria’s youth football structure.

Her journey has included appearances and notable performances at major youth competitions, including the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the WAFU B Girls Cup.

However, Igbokwe missed Nigeria’s recently concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Poland after she was unable to secure a visa to travel for the tournament.

At club level, she has also played an important role for Nasarawa Amazons, helping the side win the NWFL FA Cup last season.

Her latest call-up therefore represents an opportunity to make up for the disappointment of missing the U-20 World Cup and begin a new chapter with the senior national team.

Eguavoen’s decision to include the midfielder reflects the coaching staff’s recognition of her development, consistency and leadership qualities over recent seasons.

With Nigeria aiming to progress through the Olympic qualifying campaign, Igbokwe will now have the chance to train alongside some of the country’s most established female footballers and compete for a place in the final matchday squad.

For the young midfielder, the Comoros fixtures could mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in her international career.