Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has defended Stanley Nwabali from criticism following the Super Eagles' 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash on Tuesday evening.
Franculino broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, while Mama Baldé extended the Djurtus' lead midway through the second half.
Álvaro Djaló completed a memorable victory with a stoppage-time goal in the fifth minute of added time.
Baldé showed impressive pace and strength to get the better of Bright Osayi-Samuel before applying a classy finish beyond Nwabali to double Guinea-Bissau's advantage at minute 66.
Reacting to Guinea-Bissau captain's goal, Ikpeba acknowledged the quality of the finish and said there was little Nwabali could have done to prevent it.
He said on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com: "They had the momentum. Look at it, and what a placement. Technically brilliant goal; it looks easy on television, look at it. There was nothing Nwabali could have done, hitting the post and going in. So, he knew where he wanted to go.
"Defensively, we didn't defend well. If you don't defend well in this type of game and you qualify for the Afcon, defensively, we were poor."
Ikpeba highlighted that the Super Eagles' failure to react quickly after losing possession as a major factor behind the third goal.
"They saw that we were poor defensively. When we lose the ball, they are not closing up on the striker or the number 20. So easy.
"The first goal, they did not close up on the striker. We lack closing up on players so we were punished. You can't blame Nwabali for the third goal."
Currently second in Group L of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers with three points, Nigeria will face Tanzania in a home-and-away double-header in November.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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