Ikpeba also noted that the Super Eagles’ inability to respond promptly after losing possession led to them conceding the third goal.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Football pundit and former Nigeria striker, Victor Ikpeba, has absolved Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali of complicity after Guinea-Bissau trashed the Super Eagles 3-0 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The one-time African Footballer of the Year defended the Chippa United shot-stopper recently while analysing the encounter on SuperSport.
Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday solidified their grip on Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with the thrashing of Nigeria at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Franculino Djú, who fired a left-footed shot past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after profiting from a pass from Renato Nhaga.
They continued to threaten after the break and doubled their advantage through Mama Baldé, who demonstrated impressive pace and strength to overcome Bright Osayi-Samuel before executing a refined finish past Nwabali in the 65th minute.
Guinea-Bissau then took an unassailable lead in stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló scored the third goal, receiving a through ball from Tamble Monteiro and finishing with his right foot.
The defeat drew sharp criticism from the Nigerian football community, with many blaming the goalkeeper for conceding as many as three goals in a match.
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Reacting to the backlash faced by Nwabali, Ikpeba defended him against the criticism and blamed the defenders, especially for Guinea-Bissau’s second goal.
Analysing the Guinea-Bissau captain’s goal, the ex-striker recognised the quality of the finish and stated that the Nigerian goalkeeper had limited options to prevent it.
’They possessed the momentum. What an excellent placement. Technically superior goal; it appears straightforward on television. Observe it. There was nothing Nwabali could have done. It struck the post and went in. Thus, he understood where he intended to direct it,’ Ikpeba said.
He added: ‘Defensively, we didn’t defend well. If you don’t defend well in this type of game and you qualify for the AFCON, defensively, we were poor.’
He further emphasised that the Super Eagles’ inability to respond promptly after losing possession was a significant factor in conceding the third goal.
’They recognised that we were inadequate defensively. When we lose the ball, they are not marking the striker or the number 20. Remarkably straightforward.
’For the first goal, they did not mark the striker. We lack marking players, so we were penalised. You cannot hold Nwabali responsible for the third goal,’ Ikpeba concluded.
