Iwobi blames bad luck for Super Eagles defeat to Guinea Bissau

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has rued Nigeria’s luck against Guinea Bissau in the 1-0 AFCON 2023 qualifying defeat on Thursday. 

Nigeria suffered the embarrassment of losing at home to a team 83 places below them in the FIFA rankings after Mama Samba Balde’s goal in the 29th minute gave Guinea victory over the Super Eagles in Abuja. 

Theories abound about how such an ignoble result came about, with many blaming the poor state of the Moshood Abiola Stadium pitch, while others have either blamed the supposed poor tactics of coach Jose Peseiro or the shabby attitude of the players on display. 

However, Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, who played for the entire duration of the loss and was one of the less-woeful players, has explained the defeat, saying the team only suffered from bad luck and would be victorious on another day if they played the same way, echoing the thoughts of manager Jose Peseiro. 

Speaking after the defeat, Iwobi said, “It was just a case of bad luck. I’m sure if we play them again, luck will be on our side. 

“We created so many chances, it just wasn’t for us today.” 

Nigeria will play Guinea Bissau again in three days, hoping to right the egregious wrong of the Djurtus defeat. 

If the Super Eagles are successful in returning the favour in Guinea Bissau, they will be able to reclaim the top spot in the qualifying group, setting them up for a drama-free qualification for AFCON 2023.