AFCON Qualifier: Chelle Turns Focus To Guinea-Bissau After Madagascar Win

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has praised his players for their resilience in coming from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture in Uyo.

Nigeria found themselves trailing 1-0 in the first half but recovered to level the scores before the interval before completing the comeback after the restart at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, popularly known as the Nest of Champions.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle congratulated his players for maintaining their composure and fighting until the final whistle to secure the maximum points.

The victory gives Nigeria an important start to their Group L campaign as they begin their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.

Chelle said the team had shown character by responding to the setback of conceding first, adding that the players deserved credit for their determination to turn the game around.

“I congratulate my players because they continued to believe in themselves after we conceded the first goal. We reacted well and managed to get the result we wanted,” Chelle said.

The Franco-Malian tactician also praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for his contribution, while acknowledging the impact of the substitutes and new players who injected fresh energy into the team.

He said the changes made during the game helped Nigeria maintain its intensity and eventually secure the victory.

“I am happy with the reaction of the players, especially the goalkeeper and the new boys who came on and brought energy into the game. They helped us to finish strongly,” he added.

Despite the victory, Chelle said there was little time for his team to dwell on the result, with the Super Eagles expected to travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday for their their next Group L fixture.

The coach said his immediate priority was to prepare for the next match while also conducting a detailed analysis of Madagascar’s performance ahead of the return meeting between both sides.

“We look forward to the next match. Our focus is now on Guinea-Bissau. We will also analyse this Madagascar team very well because we will meet them again,” Chelle said.

Nigeria’s victory puts them in a positive position at the beginning of the qualifying campaign, but Chelle stressed the importance of maintaining concentration as the group progresses.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Guinea-Bissau in Bissau next week before the qualifying series continues with further Group L fixtures.