Super Eagles Legend Blames Osimhen, Lookman, Others for World Cup Qualification Struggles
- Ex-Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has berated the current Super Eagles for their attitude during the 2026 World Cup qualifying series
- The three-time AFCON winners are on the verge of missing their second consecutive World Cup
- The Monaco legend has absorbed the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation of any blame
Victor Ikpeba said the current Super Eagles players should be held responsible if the country fails to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria currently sit in third position with 11 points, while leaders South Africa have 17 points and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic have 14 points, occupying second position in the 2026 CAF qualification Group C.
Before the appointment of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles played three draws and lost a game to Benin Republic, with former manager Gernot Rohr taking all three points.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria have been impressive since the former Mali coach took over, managing to get eight from 12 points in four matches, securing two wins and two draws.
Ikpeba fires Osimhen, others
1994 AFCON winner Victor Ikpeba said Nigeria should not be struggling to qualify with the current players the country possesses.
According to Complete Sports, the Monaco legend explained that the Super Eagles have failed to live up to the expectations, and they have themselves to blame.
The 1997 African Footballer of the Year blamed the players for putting themselves in a difficult situation to qualify for the Mundial. He said:
"As for me, the players should take the lion's share of he blame for the poor performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
"The players were given everything needed to deliver the World Cup ticket without any stress, including their grouping, but they have failed to live up to expectations.
"I will not question their commitment, but with the quality of players Nigeria have scattered around the world, we should not be struggling in a group that has Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho."
Source: Getty Images
Do not blame the NFF - Ikpeba
Super Eagles legend Victor Ikpeba said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have played their role off the pitch by providing proper logistics for the players.
The Olympic gold medallist said Nigerians do not expect the executive members to be on the pitch and play against their opponent, per Owngoal. He said:
“Why are some people calling for the resignation of the NFF? Do they expect committee members to come and play the game on the pitch?
"The NFF have provided good travel arrangements, quality accommodation and all necessary logistics, and the players had no excuse for failing to deliver results."
Oliseh urges drastic action against NFF
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh has called for drastic measures against the board of the Nigerian Football Federation if Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Super Eagles captain added that failure to qualify for a World Cup sets the country's football back by eight years, and Nigeria being on the verge again could kill the country's football.
Source: Legit.ng
