‘It is not their birthrights’ – Victor Ikpeba fums at 94′ set Nigeria coach entitlement

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former AS Monaco star Victor Ikpeba believes the coaching role of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team should not be seen as a birthright for members of the 1994 golden generation.

Despite several players from that era, including Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia, Augustine Eguavoen, and recently Finidi George, having taken the reins, Ikpeba emphasizes that results, not nostalgia, should determine who gets the job.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football Show, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year said, “It’s not about the birthright of the 1994 set to be the coach of the team.

“It’s all about results. If Oliseh or any of them are called again, they won’t say no, but it’s not automatic. Other deserving managers should also be given opportunities.”

Ikpeba, popularly known as the ‘Prince of Monaco’, expressed his respect for the contributions of foreign coaches to Nigeria’s football legacy, stressing that managers like Bonfrere Jo, Clemens Westerhof, and Otto Gloria achieved remarkable successes with the Super Eagles, including an Olympic gold and multiple AFCON titles.

“Nigeria deserves to have the best coach to take charge of the national team,” Ikpeba added.

“We can’t ignore the achievements of foreign managers in the 80s and 90s. They have earned their place in Nigerian football history.”

Following the departure of Jose Peseiro after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up, the Super Eagles have seen a turnover of interim coaches, including George and Eguavoen.

Ikpeba’s comments reinforce the idea that coaching the national team should be based on merit and performance, with results as the ultimate measure of success.