Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has accepted responsibility for Nigeria’s poor display against Guinea-Bissau while urging CAF to ensure better playing surfaces for matches across Africa, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Djurtus in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter in Bissau, struggling to find their rhythm and impose themselves on the game.
Adams acknowledged that Nigeria failed to produce the required performance but insisted that the players must not hide behind external circumstances.
“That wasn’t our best day. It’s something we have to take responsibility for. I think a good pitch should be the bare minimum for African football,” Adams said.
“We all know this. I’m not making any excuses, and I would not make excuses.
“We are professionals, and we should know that there are a lot of things that come with the game.
“The weather, the referee, whatever the circumstances, we should be able to find our way.”
While refusing to use the playing surface as an excuse for the defeat, the forward maintained that pitch quality remains an important issue for the development of football on the continent.
“But a good pitch should be the bare minimum for how big African football is, and that was not the case on that day,” he added.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening two Group L qualifying matches, after the Super Eagles began the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
Eric Chelle’s side will now have to regroup ahead of their remaining qualifiers as they continue their bid to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.