Chelle must go — Super Eagles coach blamed for Guinea-Bissau defeat

The Super Eagles suffered a debilitating 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on September 29, 2026, during their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group L fixture, sparking criticism towards French Malian tactician Eric Chelle.

Playing at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, the hosts defeated Nigeria to hand Chelle his first defeat in regulation time in a competitive fixture since taking charge of the Super Eagles.

Franculino Dju opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finding the net to put the hosts ahead early.

The visitors failed to register a coherent response, allowing Mama Baldé to double the advantage in the 66th minute. Álvaro Djaló then completed the rout with a decisive third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The disastrous nature of the defeat immediately sparked intense scrutiny regarding Chelle's tactical framework.

Supporters criticised the manager's deployment of a 4-3-1-2 diamond midfield formation, arguing that the personnel selected did not suit the system. Fans argued that the narrow setup restricted Nigeria's natural attacking width and routinely left the defensive unit exposed to Guinea-Bissau's overlapping transitions, with the mismatch between Chelle's chosen personnel and the demands of a diamond shape cited as a specific and recurring source of criticism.

Frustrated supporters immediately took to social media platforms to demand the manager's dismissal.

The backlash indicates that Chelle is rapidly losing the goodwill he initially enjoyed during the AFCON in Morocco.

While the Super Eagles managed a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo just days prior, secured via debut goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, the underlying performance was widely viewed as disjointed and uninspiring.

The comprehensive loss in Bissau significantly complicates Nigeria's qualification trajectory. Guinea-Bissau now command Group L with a maximum six points following consecutive victories, leaving Nigeria trailing on three points ahead of the next international window.