National Teams
‘It won’t be easy’: Ikpeba cautions Nigeria ahead of 2026 World Cup playoffs
By Wale Mustapha
Former Nigeria forward Victor Ikpeba has warned that Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains far from assured, as the national team heads into a tough playoff round against top African sides including Cameroon, Gabon, and Burkina Faso.
Nigeria failed to secure automatic qualification despite a convincing 4–0 win over Benin Republic on Tuesday in their final Group C fixture.
The result left the Super Eagles second in the group, forcing them into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) playoff round to fight for one of the remaining slots.
Speaking during a post-match analysis on SuperSport, Ikpeba expressed disappointment that the Super Eagles had not topped their group, stressing that the upcoming playoff matches would be far more challenging.
“People are disappointed. We should have topped our group with the potential we have,” the 1997 African Footballer of the Year said.
“I can’t wait for the playoffs. The games against Gabon and Cameroon are spicy—these are great derbies in African football.”
Ikpeba, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, noted that facing bitter rivals like the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could pose a serious test for Eric Chelle’s squad.
“If we have to play Cameroon, that’s another struggle—another spicy game. It’s not going to come easy in this playoff, no.
“I wish our boys well. If they approach these games with the same mentality, I believe we can go through.”
The upcoming playoff mini-tournament will feature four African teams competing for the continent’s final two World Cup slots.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, are seeking to return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
