Victor Ikpeba hails Victor Osimhen, Eric Chelle for Super Eagles’ fighting spirit

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba has lauded the Super Eagles for their fighting performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with special praise for striker Victor Osimhen and coach Eric Chelle.

Ikpeba, a former African Footballer of the Year, commended Osimhen for his commitment and attitude, particularly his three-goal haul in the qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

“I loved the commitment and attitude of Osimhen; he gave everything and scored three goals,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport TV’s Monday Night Football.

Ikpeba also defended Osimhen’s fiery reaction after the match against Zimbabwe, acknowledging that “such things happen” in the heat of competition.

The Nigerian football icon further praised Chelle for bringing a new fighting spirit to the Super Eagles, suggesting that had Chelle been appointed earlier, the team’s position in the qualifiers might have been stronger.

“Had we appointed him earlier, we would have been in a better position on the table,” Ikpeba added.

Despite the draw against Zimbabwe, Ikpeba remains hopeful about the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the World Cup, urging the team to regroup and push forward in September.

“We still have a chance to qualify. It’s for the boys to regroup in September and go for it again,” he said.