Super Eagles news: 3 senior stars failed but Ilenikhena & Usor could get their chance next

Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau has left Eric Chelle with an attacking problem that may force a rethink before the Super Eagles’ next Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi started the match in Bissau, but none could find the breakthrough the Super Eagles desperately needed after Franculino Djú’s 15th-minute opener.

The defeat was particularly damaging because Nigeria had arrived in Guinea-Bissau after a 2-1 comeback against Madagascar in Uyo, where George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor both scored on their senior international debuts.

Yet both youngsters started on the bench in Bissau, with Chelle opting for the more experienced Adams and Awoniyi alongside Lookman.

That decision has now come under sharp scrutiny from former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba, who believes the senior attackers failed to provide the leadership Nigeria needed and that Ilenikhena and Usor should have been given a bigger stage. His comments point towards a potentially significant selection battle in Nigeria’s attack.

Senior Super Eagles attackers who failed Nigeria

Ikpeba is convinced that Lookman, Adams and Awoniyi delivered poor performances that contributed to Nigeria’s record-breaking loss.

Lookman carried much of the creative burden but struggled to impose himself against a Guinea-Bissau defence that kept Nigeria’s front three quiet for long periods. The former Atalanta forward had one notable opportunity before half-time when Alex Iwobi picked him out, but goalkeeper Fernando Embadjé denied his effort. Lookman was withdrawn in the 68th minute.

The Atletico Madrid star ended with two shots, only one of which was on target, and completed just one of the four crosses he attempted.

Adams lasted until the 76th minute but offered little threat in the final third. The Venezia star managed only one shot, one key pass and completed just three of the 11 passes attempted in the final third.

His departure opened the door for Ilenikhena, who replaced him as Nigeria chased the game. Awoniyi had an even shorter night, substituted at half-time after failing to convert Nigeria’s attacking possession into a goal threat. The Coventry City centre-forward could not muster a single shot in the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch.

Former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund forward Ikpeba was blunt in his assessment.

“The likes of Akor, Ademola, Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started the game,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport.

He added: “I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”

Ilenikhena and Usor waiting to seize their chance

The youngsters could hardly have asked for a more striking audition against Madagascar. Ilenikhena scored Nigeria’s equaliser in Uyo, while Usor completed the comeback with a late winner, giving Chelle three points to open the qualifying campaign.

Usor entered against Guinea-Bissau at half-time and quickly forced Embadjé into a save in the 50th minute, offering Nigeria greater urgency after the interval. Ilenikhena arrived in the 76th minute and came closest to pulling Nigeria back into the contest, only for Embadjé to produce another save in the closing stages.

Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifiers are a set of double-header against Tanzania in November. In the time before then, Ilenikhena and Usor will be keen to impress for their clubs (Al-Ittihad and LASK, respectively).

And it would be up to coach Eric Chelle to trust the young Super Eagles stars ahead of his fumbling established internationals.

Nigeria now have three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau sit on six after winning both games.