Ikpeba tasks Chelle to stick with winning formula as Nigeria eye World Cup playoff slot

By Dayo Awoniyi

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to maintain the same winning approach that powered Nigeria to a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with ScoreNigeria, the 1997 CAF Player of the Year stressed that consistency and team chemistry will be crucial to Nigeria’s bid to return to football’s biggest stage after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“You don’t change a winning team,” Ikpeba said. “This is Nigeria’s second chance to make things right. We have the quality, experience, and motivation to qualify again for the World Cup.”

Nigeria are set to open their playoff campaign against Gabon on November 13 before facing regional rivals Cameroon in what could prove decisive for their qualification hopes.

Ikpeba expressed confidence in the team’s balance and depth, highlighting the blend of experienced internationals and in-form young players that has revitalized the squad.

“Gabon have never reached the World Cup, and Cameroon are not as dominant as they once were,” he noted. “If we maintain our hunger and focus like we did against Benin, we’ll be unstoppable.”

The former AS Monaco forward also lauded the recent form of Nigeria’s top striker and Chelsea’s dynamic winger, describing their performances as “vital to the team’s momentum.”

Ikpeba cautioned Chelle against unnecessary tactical changes, warning that altering a successful system could disrupt the confidence and rhythm built in recent matches.

“With the right mentality and minimal changes, this squad can take Nigeria back among the world’s elite,” he added.

He concluded by urging fans to rally behind the Super Eagles, calling the Morocco playoffs not just a qualification campaign but a test of national pride.

“This is our moment to show that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football,” Ikpeba said.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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