Former Super Eagles legend, Victor Ikpeba, has encouraged the Nigerian national team to take full advantage of their playoff opportunity and book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite an impressive 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification. However, the win was enough to earn them a playoff spot, where they will face Gabon’s Panthers in the semifinals on November 13 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue in Morocco. Cameroon will also face DR Congo in the other semifinal.
Speaking on *Monday Night Football* on SuperSport, Ikpeba stressed that the team must remain focused and disciplined. “This is a second chance for the Super Eagles to prove themselves,” he said. “They need to keep the same hunger and determination they showed against Benin and Lesotho.”
The 1997 African Footballer of the Year praised the team’s ruthless display, noting how their early goal against Benin gave them confidence and control. He believes Nigeria can overcome both Gabon and Cameroon if they maintain that same intensity.
The Super Eagles are targeting their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having last featured in Russia 2018.
