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.

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has defended Stanley Nwabali from criticism following the Super Eagles’ 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash on Tuesday evening.

Reacting to Guinea-Bissau captain’s goal, Ikpeba acknowledged the quality of the finish and said there was little Nwabali could have done to prevent it.

He said on SuperSport: “They had the momentum. Look at it, and what a placement. Technically brilliant goal; it looks easy on television, look at it. There was nothing Nwabali could have done, hitting the post and going in. So, he knew where he wanted to go.

“Defensively, we didn’t defend well. If you don’t defend well in this type of game and you qualify for the Afcon, defensively, we were poor.”

Ikpeba highlighted that the Super Eagles’ failure to react quickly after losing possession as a major factor behind the third goal.

“They saw that we were poor defensively. When we lose the ball, they are not closing up on the striker or the number 20. So easy.

“The first goal, they did not close up on the striker. We lack closing up on players so we were punished. You can’t blame Nwabali for the third goal” Ikpeba said.

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.