Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has defended Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash on Tuesday.

 Franculino opened the scoring after 15 minutes before Guinea-Bissau captain Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 66th minute. Álvaro Djaló then completed a memorable victory with a stoppage-time strike in the fifth minute of added time.

 Baldé showcased his pace and strength to get past Bright Osayi-Samuel before producing a composed finish that went in off the post, leaving Nwabali with little chance.

 Reacting to the goal on SuperSport, Ikpeba praised Baldé’s execution and insisted the goalkeeper could not be blamed.

 “What a placement. Technically brilliant goal; it looks easy on television. There was nothing Nwabali could have done. He knew where he wanted to go.”

 The former Nigeria international instead criticised the Super Eagles’ defensive performance, arguing that the team failed to close down Guinea-Bissau’s attackers quickly enough.

 “Defensively, we didn't defend well,” Ikpeba said. “If you don't defend well in this type of game and you qualify for the AFCON, defensively, we were poor.”

 Ikpeba also pointed to Nigeria’s failure to react immediately after losing possession as a key reason for 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,” he said.

 “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.”

 Nigeria are currently second in Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with three points and will face Tanzania in a home-and-away double-header in November.