Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, who was one of the three Premier League stars in the Super Eagles’ startingY lineup, promised that Nigeria would bounce back after the loss.

“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 per cent not just for ourselves, but also for our nation,” Iwobi said.

“As players and staff, we know we have to react to this result.

“Next time we are going to do our best and make the country proud,” he added.

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been dealt a severe blow after a shock 1-0 home loss to Guinea-Bissau on Friday. 

Mama Balde scored the only goal of the game in the 30th minute, taking the Portuguese-speaking nation to the top of the table with seven points. 

Nigeria, who are six points behind Guinea-Bissau, are in second place with six points in Group A, halfway through the six-round mini-league.

The Super Eagles’ next game is a rematch against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, where they will be looking to make their country proud.