Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has outlined what the team needs to do to revive their hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations following their defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigeria national team suffered a 3-0 loss to the Djurtus on Tuesday evening, a result that strengthened Guinea-Bissau’s position at the top of the group and boosted their chances of securing the only qualification spot for the biennial tournament.

Speaking after the game, Chelle praised Guinea-Bissau’s performance, highlighting their mentality, attitude and physicality as key factors that gave the Djurtus an advantage over the Super Eagles.

“They were more aggressive than us. When you try to play, to cross, or make a cross, you need to have this aggressiveness in your state of mind to make the difference,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian tactician also lamented the poor condition of the pitch, noting that it played a role in the outcome of the match.

“I think they were better than us,” he added. “This is not an apology but they know their pitch. They usually play on this pitch but for us this is the first time and the pitch was very bad.”

Chelle revealed that he tried to change the team’s dynamics and approach in the second half, but the Super Eagles struggled to implement the plan due to the weather conditions.

“The weather was very hot too, so Guinea Bissau entered the game more motivated, aggressive, and we never found the solution.

“We tried to go forward to bring something new with the one-on-one on the wide but you see after ten minutes we stopped. I don’t know why.

Despite the setback, Chelle remains confident that the Super Eagles still have a chance of securing qualification, stressing that the team must record victories over Tanzania in both legs to keep their hopes alive.

“To be very objective about this game, this is not the end, we have many games to play,” Chelle revealed.

“We have two games against Tanzania in November, we have to win both games and after that, Guinea Bissau will come down to Uyo, we have to put them in the same condition that we are here.”

“I am very confident about my team, today was not a good day for us. This is the first time that I see my team like that, so we will have to go forward, both games against Tanzania are very important.

“After that there is the last game against Madagascar and then Guinea Bissau, a lot of things can happen.”

While expressing his belief in the team’s chances of securing qualification, Chelle also called on the fans to remain calm and continue supporting the Super Eagles.

“We have to stay focused and calm, we know our strengths and weaknesses and today was a bad day for us but I am still confident about my team and players,” Chelle concluded.

The Super Eagles currently sit second in the group with three points, while Guinea-Bissau lead the standings with six points and a superior goal difference.

The head of the Turkish referees’ body has been arrested as part of a police investigation into corruption.

Turkish justice minister Akin Gurlek said the investigation focused on “claims regarding interference in the formation of referee classifications, assignments, scoring and appointment processes, as well as rule examinations”.

Ferhat Gundogdu, the president of the refereeing body, his vice-president and another five people are those arrested.

Gurlek said police also searched homes, workplaces and offices.

“We will resolutely continue our fight for clean football so that allegations damaging trust in Turkish football are brought to light, those responsible are held accountable before the law, and football is associated with the effort, competition and sportsmanship on the pitch,” Gurlek said.

In November 2025 the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after an investigation found hundreds of professional match officials in the country had betting accounts.

Some 29 people were arrested in the sprawling scandal, including 14 footballers.

However, Gurlek did not make any link between last year’s betting scandal and the current investigation.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has moved to shut down speculation of a rift with captain Mohamed Salah after the Trabzonspor forward left the national team camp ahead of their second AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Salah was substituted during Egypt’s draw with Angola before departing the squad, raising questions over his relationship with Hassan.

The manager, however, insists the decision had been agreed in advance and was made solely to protect the veteran forward from the risks of playing on an artificial surface.

Salah’s absence from Egypt’s upcoming meeting with South Sudan had fuelled speculation of unrest inside the squad, particularly after he was taken off in the 61st minute against Angola.

Hassan has now dismissed those suggestions, stressing that Salah remains central to his plans and that the decision was made with the player’s health in mind.

“I respect all players, led by Mohamed Salah. He is an important, influential and essential player for the team and one of the most important players in the world but we preferred to rest him because of the artificial turf,” Hassan told reporters.

The manager also revealed that Salah had raised the issue before the Angola match, meaning his departure was part of a pre-agreed plan rather than a reaction to events during the game.

“He had spoken with me about the matter before the Angola match, and we agreed on it. We need him in the upcoming matches and the safety of any player is my top priority, and my trust in all the players is immense,” Hassan explained.

Egypt will now face South Sudan without their captain as they continue their campaign to qualify for AFCON 2027.

Salah remains one of the most influential figures in the Egyptian squad, but Hassan has made clear that avoiding an unnecessary injury takes priority at this stage of the qualifying campaign.

The decision also comes amid a busy period for Salah at club level following his move to Trabzonspor, with Egypt keen to ensure their star forward remains available for the more demanding fixtures ahead.