Ikpeba also argued that Nigeria can scale the hurdle, adding that the players have been presented with a “second chance.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has said Nigeria’s Super Eagles must grab the opportunity provided by the playoffs, calling it a “second chance” to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He made this known while speaking on the SuperSport programme, ‘Monday Night Football.’
Nigeria failed to secure automatic qualification for the mundial despite a convincing 4-0 home victory over Benin Republic last week.
Eric Chelle’s men, however, did enough to earn a place in the playoffs, having finished second in Group C behind South Africa.
They will square up with the Panthers of Gabon in one of the two semi-finals of the playoffs in Morocco next month.
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The winner of the encounter will face either Cameroon or Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.
If the Super Eagles emerge as winners, they will then move to the inter-continental stage of the playoffs.
While analysing the chances of the three-time African champions, Ikpeba stressed that it is important for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.
He further argued that the Super Eagles can scale the hurdle, adding that the playoffs offered a “lifeline” to the players.
He said, “We can qualify for the World Cup; it is another chance for them to play at the World Cup.
“They have a second lifeline, they have to grab it.”
