From Bissau Heartbreak To Russia Fightback: Five Takeaways From Super Eagles' September International Break

The September international break has come and gone, but not without some talking points for pundits, journalists, fans, and soccer-loving Nigerians. 

During the window, the Super Eagles played three games, including two 2027 AFCON qualifiers and a friendly.

The three-time African champions began their qualifying campaign on a bright note, beating Madagascar's Barea 2-1 in front of their fans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on September 25.

However, they could not maintain the tempo when they faced Guinea-Bissau's Djurtus four days later. Eric Chelle's side was surprisingly thrashed 3-0 at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, and the hosts now top Group L with six points from two matches. 

A week later, the Super Eagles slugged it out with Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod, which ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Having monitored the three games, here are five talking points:

1. Nigeria Still Struggle Without Victor Osimhen

Over time, the Super Eagles have relied heavily on Victor Osimhen for goals and inspiration. Little wonder the team often struggles when the talisman is unavailable through injury or suspension. 

They needed his hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Benin Republic to reach the World Cup play-offs. This time, a muscle injury kept the Galatasaray striker out of both qualifiers.

His absence was obviously felt in the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, as his replacements could not convert most of the crosses, especially in the second half. Neither Akor Adams nor Tolu Arokodare provided the aerial strength needed to meet Moses Usor's inviting deliveries from the right flank.

Apart from his aerial prowess, the Super Eagles missed the fear factor that comes with Osimhen's presence. His pressing and hard work could have unsettled the hosts' defence and midfield.

2. Ilenikhena Has Come to Stay

Several players made their Super Eagles debut during the break, and some of them gave a good account of themselves.

George Ilenikhena had an impressive debut against Madagascar. The 20-year-old Saudi-based striker scored the equalizer in first-half stoppage time and troubled the Barea defence with his pace and energy throughout his time on the pitch.

He ran in behind the defence and urged his teammates to press harder until they regained possession. That was seen again against Guinea-Bissau, when he charged Usor to chase down a defender.

Considering his goal and overall performance, it is safe to say the striker has earned a spot in Eric Chelle's next squad list, barring fitness issues.

3. Eagles Always Struggle on Bad Pitches

When the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, they were unconvincing despite the positive result.

Unsurprisingly, they were far from their best in Bissau, no thanks to the poor pitch. They lost possession too easily because the ball could not move without bouncing off the uneven surface. The players, who are used to excellent turf in Europe, failed to execute Chelle's free-flowing attacking style.

Though it was not an excuse for the defeat,  the pitch is very poor and unfamiliar to the team. CAF has reportedly apologised to the NFF and barred the stadium from hosting Guinea-Bissau's remaining qualifiers.

4. Iheanacho Deserves Another Chance

Kelechi Iheanacho arrived in camp with 11 goals in eight games for Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor. He continued his goalscoring streak against Russia on Tuesday when he broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.

The 30-year-old, who had been out of the Super Eagles team since the Unity Cup final against Jamaica in May 2025, silenced his critics with a stunning strike from the edge of the box to put Nigeria ahead.

Seeing how Nigeria always struggle for goals without Osimhen, Chelle might consider integrating Iheanacho into his plans for the rest of the qualifying campaign.

Iheanacho has the experience, sharpness and striker's instinct to, at least, make the Super Eagles bench.

5. Never Write Off Eric Chelle's Men Until the Final Whistle

This break taught impatient fans never to write off the Super Eagles before the final whistle.

Madagascar silenced the Uyo crowd when they took the lead in the 16th minute, but Nigeria equalised and went on to win 2-1 through Usor's second-half strike.

Against Russia, they were 3-1 down in the 54th minute and on the verge of losing two consecutive matches for the first time under Chelle. Yet they found a way back.

Debutant Peter Edokpolor, the 19-year-old Benfica forward, pulled one back in the 78th minute, and Akor Adams levelled in the 94th minute with the last kick of the game. The comeback win and the late draw show the Super Eagles should not be written off until the end.

Conclusion

The break exposed Nigeria's over-reliance on Osimhen and the damage a bad pitch can do, but it also showed real depth and fight. 

With fresh faces like Ilenikhena and Edokpolor, and an in-form Iheanacho, Chelle has fresh options.