Nigeria Players Abroad
Ikpeba: Ilenikhena and Usor should have started Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier
Former Nigeria forward Victor Ikpeba says the Super Eagles could have produced a very different result if George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor had been named in the starting line-up against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria were beaten 3-0 by the Djurtus in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with Eric Chelle’s team unable to establish control against a physical Guinea-Bissau side.
Franculino Dju put the hosts ahead before half-time, while Mama Balde extended their lead after the interval. Alvaro Djalo completed the scoring in stoppage time to seal a comfortable victory.
Ikpeba criticised Nigeria’s performance and questioned Chelle’s selection decisions during an appearance on SuperSport.
“The likes of Akor, Ademola, [and] Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started,” Ikpeba said.
“I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”
The former international also said the scale of the disappointment was heightened by the expectations surrounding the national team.
“With a population of 250 million, the expectations are exceptionally elevated. The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply,” he added.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in Group L. Guinea-Bissau moved to six points from two matches after following up their opening 2-0 victory over Tanzania with another win.
Nigeria remain on three points, having begun their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar.
The Super Eagles now face a significant challenge to close the gap as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign progresses.