Super Eagles: 4 players Chelle could drop after Guinea-Bissau defeat

The Super Eagles suffered a surprise 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria travelled to Bissau looking to build on their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar and take control of Group L. Instead, Eric Chelle’s side produced a disappointing display as Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló all found the net to give Guinea-Bissau a comfortable victory.

The result leaves Nigeria on three points from their opening two games, while Guinea-Bissau have taken maximum points after also beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture.

Chelle made three changes to the team that started against Madagascar, with Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi coming into the starting XI. However, the changes did little to improve Nigeria’s performance as they struggled to control the game and failed to threaten the Djurtus defence for majority of the encounter.

With the next qualifiers still ahead, Chelle may now have to make difficult selection decisions.

Four Super Eagles stars who could be dropped after poor showing

1. Bright Osayi-Samuel

Bright Osayi-Samuel endured a difficult evening against Guinea-Bissau and is at risk of missing out on a place in the Super Eagles’ squad for the November qualifiers.

The right-back struggled to contain Mama Baldé and was beaten by the Guinea-Bissau star for the second goal, as Baldé drove into the box before calmly finishing past Stanley Nwabali.

Osayi-Samuel also offered little going forward, leaving Nigeria without enough threat from the right side.

His performance could therefore give Chelle reason to reconsider his options at right-back ahead of the next round of games, especially with the likes of Ola Aina, Ryan Alebiosu and Abdullahi Bewene still options that the Super Eagles can count on.

2. Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi was handed his first Super Eagles start in almost three years against Guinea-Bissau, but it was a frustrating return to the starting XI. The striker struggled to get into the game and was replaced at half-time as Chelle attempted to change Nigeria’s attacking approach.

Awoniyi’s lack of involvement was a major problem for Nigeria because the team already missed the presence of Victor Osimhen, who remains unavailable due to injury.

Without a reliable focal point up front, Nigeria struggled to turn possession into clear chances and were unable to put sustained pressure on Guinea-Bissau.

He also struggled to make any impact when he came on in the second half against Madagascar and could miss out on the next squad released by Eric Chelle.

3. Akor Adams

Akor Adams also faces competition for his place after another difficult outing. The Venezia forward worked hard physically, but he struggled to consistently threaten the Guinea-Bissau defence.

Nigeria needed more from their attacking players after falling behind, but Adams could not provide the goals or attacking presence required to bring the Super Eagles back into the game. He also had the same poor showing against Madagascar and could be one of the players axed ahead of the next round of games.

At club level, Adams has also struggled mostly this season for his new side Venezia and would need to improve on his performances if he is to earn another callup under Chelle.

4. Bruno Onyemaechi

Bruno Onyemaechi is another player whose place could come under pressure after Nigeria’s disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

The left-back struggled to deal with the hosts’ attacking threat and was unable to make much of an impact going forward as Nigeria spent long periods on the back foot.

With the Super Eagles needing a stronger response in their next qualifier, Chelle could now consider making a change at left-back.

Isaac James and Zaidu Sanusi, who is currently out injured, will provide competition in the position, while either Aina or Calvin Bassey can also be deployed in the role.

With Nigeria already three points behind Guinea-Bissau in the group, Chellle cannot afford another poor display and the team must improve ahead of their next clash againt Tanzania.