Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has urged Nigeria to put their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau behind them and respond with a strong performance when they face Russia in an international friendly on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s heavy defeat in Bissau has left a bitter taste within the squad, particularly after the team began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a comeback victory over Madagascar.
The Super Eagles were expected to build on that opening win, but instead produced a below-par display against Guinea-Bissau, suffering one of their most disappointing results in recent years.
Adams, who featured in both qualifying matches, acknowledged that Nigeria failed to meet the standards expected of the national team but believes the players have already accepted responsibility and begun working on the problems exposed during the defeat.
For the forward, dwelling on the result will not help Nigeria’s situation. The priority now is to learn from the mistakes and demonstrate a different mentality against Russia.
Nigeria’s defeat in Bissau was particularly damaging because Guinea-Bissau took control of the contest early. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute, curling a left-footed effort into the far corner after working his way into a dangerous position.
The hosts doubled their advantage after the break when Mama Baldé finished a low effort in the 65th minute. Nigeria struggled to create a sustained response, while goalkeeper Djoco Embadjé made important saves whenever the visitors threatened.
Álvaro Djaló then completed Guinea-Bissau’s victory in stoppage time, leaving the Super Eagles with three points from their opening two Group L matches.
Adams admitted that the performance was far below what the team is capable of producing.
The striker also addressed the difficult playing surface in Bissau, which attracted considerable attention before and during the match. While he argued that better pitches should be a basic requirement for African football, he refused to use the condition of the surface as an excuse for Nigeria’s defeat.
According to Adams, professional footballers must be capable of dealing with difficult circumstances, whether they involve the pitch, weather or other factors surrounding a match.
That admission could prove important as Nigeria prepare for another international assignment.
The Russia friendly offers the Super Eagles an immediate opportunity to change the narrative surrounding the team. Rather than allowing the Guinea-Bissau defeat to define the current international window, Nigeria can use the match to rebuild confidence and give some of the newer players valuable international experience.
Adams is also encouraged by the fresh faces in camp and believes the newcomers can contribute despite the disappointment of the previous match.
Nigeria will, however, have to cope with several absences. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has withdrawn from the squad, while defender Akpe Victory is also unavailable. Head coach Éric Chelle has consequently made changes to his squad ahead of the Russia encounter.
The match is also significant because Russia represents a different type of test. The European side has been eager to play international fixtures because of its unusual position in world football, while Nigeria will be looking for a performance capable of restoring belief among supporters.
The two countries last met in June 2025, when they played out a 1-1 draw in Moscow. Russia took the lead through a Semi Ajayi own goal before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Nigeria.
This time, the Super Eagles enter the meeting under greater pressure to produce a convincing response.
The players know that a friendly cannot erase the consequences of the Guinea-Bissau defeat, particularly with Nigeria’s AFCON qualification campaign still requiring careful management. However, a positive performance against Russia could provide the confidence needed before the qualifiers resume.
Adams believes the squad understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the Nigerian shirt.
The message from the striker is therefore straightforward: acknowledge the failure, correct the mistakes and move forward.
Nigeria cannot afford to spend the entire campaign looking back at what went wrong in Bissau. With four qualifying matches still to come, the Super Eagles have time to repair the damage, but they must show greater consistency and intensity.
The Russia encounter now provides the first opportunity to demonstrate that the lessons from Guinea-Bissau have been absorbed.
For Adams and his teammates, the objective is bigger than simply avoiding another defeat. They must rediscover the confidence, discipline and attacking quality expected from one of Africa’s most decorated national teams.
After the disappointment in Bissau, the Super Eagles have been handed an immediate chance to respond.
What matters now is how they react.
