Ikpeba also reflected on the scale of the expectations placed on a team representing a nation of 250 million people. "The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply," he said, underlining the depth of his disappointment.

Group L standings shift

The defeat shakes Group L considerably. Guinea-Bissau now sit on six points from two matches, having opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania. Nigeria, meanwhile, remain on three points — earned through a 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar — and face a mounting challenge in the qualification race.