Eric Chelle defended the mentality of the Super Eagles players following their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
It was Nigeria's heaviest defeat since suffering a 4-0 loss to Portugal in a friendly on November 17, 2022.
Franculino broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, Mama Baldé doubled the Djurtus' advantage midway through the second half, and Álvaro Djaló sealed a memorable 3-0 victory with a fifth-minute stoppage-time goal.
Chelle explained that his players believed they could get back on level terms after conceding the second goal.
"We conceded a goal in the first half and tried to come back to 1-1. After we conceded the second goal, we felt that we could come back, and after the third goal," Chelle said at his post-match press conference.
The defeat was a disappointing result for the Super Eagles, but Chelle believes the players and technical staff must use the experience as motivation to improve.
"Sometimes you win, play a draw, continue to win and sometimes you have to take this kind of loss. It gives the players and technical staff something that you have to come back, turn your head, and be stronger.
"That situation is not an easy situation but we are a group. It was a bad game for the players today but we stay focused."
The Super Eagles will look to return to winning ways in November when they face Tanzania in a home-and-away double-header.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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