Iwobi promises Eagles will be better in second leg against Guinea-Bissau on Monday

EVERTON playmaker Alex Iwobi has promised Nigerian football fans that the Super Eagles will make amends for their woeful performance against Guinea-Bissau yesterday when they lost 0-1 at home in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

In what was supposed to be a David and Goliath contest between two teams ranked 35 and 116 by Fifa, the Guineans managed to steal all three points in Abuja. It was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition as winger Mama Balde scored for the Wild Dogs, who are 81 places below the Super Eagles in the Fifa world rankings.

Nigeria now has six points from three matches and is a point behind Guinea Bissau who are on top of the Group A with seven points. Guinea-Bissau will now host Nigeria in Monday March 27 at the Nacional 24 de Setembro Stadium in Bissau in the return leg.

Iwobi said: "As players and staff, we know we have to react to this result. All we can do is improve and to the fans, all I can say is that they should stick by us and support us because we give 100% not just for ourselves but also for our nation. Next time we are going to do our best and make the country proud."

Balde, who plays for French Ligue One club Troyes, scored in the 29th minute in Abuja after he raced on to a lofted pass and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho. Nigeria, whose line-up included prolific Napoli scorer Victor Osimhen, were firm favourites to win at home.

However,  after a bright start, with Osimhen coming close to scoring on 16 minutes, the Eagles battled to create any clear-cut scoring opportunities. Osimhen, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Arsenal, became increasingly frustrated as poor service and close marking restricted his threat.

This was the fifth loss in seven matches for Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro and another defeat in Bissau could spell the end for the Portuguese manager. Nigeria's Super Eagles have been defeated by Algeria, Costa Rica and Portugal in their last three games prior to yesterday, with the  defence conceding eight goals in the process.