Super Eagles forward Akor Adams says the team has begun addressing the shortcomings exposed by their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, and he expressed confidence that Nigeria can rediscover its high standards.
Adams acknowledged that the result was disappointing, particularly given the importance of the encounter to Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Still, they insisted that the players had accepted responsibility for their performance.
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Speaking to the Super Eagles media team ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia, the forward said the team was already working to ensure that the setback does not become a recurring problem.
“I think there are many factors that happen in the game, but it’s not a game we should lose, which we would take responsibility for, and we have taken responsibility for that,” he said.
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“It’s a game we prepared very well for. We know how important it was to us in the qualification phase. But looking back, we are already making corrections to what happened in the game.”
Nigeria began their Group L campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo. Still, it suffered a heavy defeat in Bissau on 29 September, leaving the team with work to do as the qualifiers progress.
The loss also prompted coach Éric Chelle to acknowledge that Guinea-Bissau played with more aggression and intensity, while Nigeria struggled to find solutions.
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Adams said the Super Eagles understood the expectations attached to the national team and must now demonstrate that they can consistently meet them.
“We already set the standards very high, so living up to that standard is what we wake up to do every day as the Super Eagles. And, yeah, for me, that’s one thing we should do going into the next games. We are aware of the standards, and we should live up to that,” he said.
No excuses for defeat
The forward also addressed the difficult playing conditions in Guinea-Bissau, arguing that better pitches should be a basic requirement for African football.
However, he stressed that the circumstances surrounding a match could not absolve professionals of their responsibility to deliver.
“I think a good pitch should be a bare minimum for African football. We all know this, and I’m not making any excuses. I would not make excuses. We are professionals; we should know that there are a lot of things that come with the game — the weather, the referee, whatever the circumstance. We should be able to find our way,” he said.
Adams said the defeat left several players devastated, especially given the fixture’s significance and the long journey home without a positive result.
He also understood captain Wilfred Ndidi’s frustration, whose reaction reflected the mood within the squad.
“Yeah, the captain was pissed at us, and I can understand from his point of view. Many of the boys were not happy, completely devastated, coming away after a long trip and not taking anything back home in an important qualification game,” he said.
Adams admitted Nigeria had hoped to avoid a situation where their qualification hopes would depend on other teams’ results.
“With qualifications, we try our best in this generation not to be in a place where we need another team to either do good or do bad so we qualify. But we fell short against Bissau, and we understand better now,” he said.
Russia test
The Super Eagles will have a chance to respond when they face Russia in Moscow on Tuesday.
Adams said the friendly would be important for the entire squad, including new players and those hoping to make their senior international debuts.
He welcomed the newcomers but emphasised that the expectations of representing Nigeria remain unchanged.
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“It’s still the Super Eagles, and we know what we stand for. The coach has made it clear that we are here to try our best to win. Russia is a very good team as well, and I think they’re very hungry to play games because of their peculiar situation. For us, it’s to give our best,” he said.
Nigeria and Russia last met in June 2025, when they drew 1-1 in Moscow. Tolu Arokodare scored Nigeria’s equaliser after Semi Ajayi’s own goal had given the hosts the lead.
With supporters expecting a response after the Bissau setback, Adams said the players were conscious of the responsibility to deliver both a positive result and an improved performance.
“I know Nigerians are watching. They love football a lot, and they love the Super Eagles a lot. And, yeah, come out with a good result and also a good performance.”
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