Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has attributed Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to the hosts’ greater intensity, poor pitch and hot weather.

The loss came just three days after Nigeria secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening qualifier.

Nigeria struggled to create clear chances against the Djurtus and fell behind in the 15th minute when Franculino Djú found the net.

Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage after the restart, while Álvaro Djaló sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time.

Speaking after the match, Chelle acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau were the superior side on the night, while pointing to the playing conditions as factors that affected his team.

“They were more aggressive than us; they were better than us,” Chelle said.“Though this is not an excuse, they know their pitch. They usually play on this pitch, but for us, it was the first time, and the pitch was very bad. The weather was very hot too.

“So, Guinea-Bissau entered the game more motivated and more aggressive. They put more intensity, and we never found a solution.

“We tried to go forward after halftime, to bring something new, but after 10 minutes, we stopped, and I don’t know why.”