Nahki Wells believes Bermuda’s historic upset over Panama in the Concacaf Nations League is a “big statement” and shows they can hold their own among the region’s powerhouses.

Wells netted a brace either side of the break to guide Bermuda to an impressive 2-0 win over Panama, who featured in the World Cup in Russia last year, at the Rommel Fernández Stadium on Sunday.

“It is a big statement from Bermuda,” said Wells, who is on loan with Sky Bet Championship side Queens Park Rangers from Burnley. “We have proven of late that we can compete with these big nations.

“We are a confident group and we know what we are capable of. We also know we have a goal in us no matter who we play.”

The result sent shock waves throughout the region and avenged Bermuda’s 4-1 defeat in their opening match of the competition against Panama three days earlier at the National Stadium.

“It’s really fine margins as to why we weren’t getting the results we deserved,” Wells added. “We showed another side of us that a lot of people probably didn’t expect from us, and that was what was needed to get the result.”

Wells put Bermuda in front in the 22nd minute when he tapped in Zeiko Lewis’s pass into an empty net. He then doubled their lead with a composed finish after being played through by Reggie Lambe.

“It was important we emphasised trying to keep a clean sheet, trying to defend first and attack second, doing the basics and not making silly mistakes and gifting them with anything, and we did that,” Wells said.

“We clearly started off defending really well and that gave us the platform to go on and pick them off and get the goals which was the difference.”

Lightbourne’s side will face Mexico at home on October 11 and away on November 19 in their remaining group B fixtures of League A.

“We can obviously expect a real tough test, something that we have never faced before,” Wells added.

“We will be relishing it and be in front of our home crowd and hopefully we can shock the world and get a result.

“Mexico are an outstanding side and the most dominant side in our region, and ultimately the best side we will play as a nation.

“We are just looking forward to an amazing experience home and away. Hopefully we can pinch something that could be the difference of us staying in group A or going out of the group. ”