Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has blamed the Super Eagles’ defensive display for their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ikpeba, however, defended goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from criticism following the disappointing result in Bissau.
The Super Eagles suffered their first defeat of the qualifying campaign on Tuesday as Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of Group L.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the first half before Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage after the break.
Álvaro Djaló added a third goal in stoppage time to complete a comfortable victory for the Djurtus.
Reacting to the defeat, Ikpeba said Nwabali could not be blamed for the goals conceded, especially the second goal scored by Baldé.
The former striker praised the Guinea-Bissau captain’s finish and insisted the defenders failed to provide adequate protection.
“They possessed the momentum. What an excellent placement. Technically superior goal; it appears straightforward on television,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport.
“There was nothing Nwabali could have done. It struck the post and went in.”
Ikpeba instead pointed to poor defending as the major reason behind Nigeria’s defeat.
“Defensively, we didn’t defend well. If you don’t defend well in this type of game, defensively, we were poor,” he added.
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner also criticised the team’s reaction after losing possession.
According to him, Guinea-Bissau capitalised on Nigeria’s defensive lapses throughout the encounter.
“They recognised that we were inadequate defensively. When we lose the ball, they are not marking the striker.
“For the first goal, they did not mark the striker. We lack marking players, so we were penalised. You cannot hold Nwabali responsible for the third goal.”
Nigeria currently occupy second position in Group L with three points from two matches.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania in a home-and-away double-header in November as they continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
