Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has called on the Super Eagles to take full advantage of their playoff opportunity to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ikpeba emphasized that this is a second chance the team must not waste after narrowly missing automatic qualification.
Despite their 4–0 win over Benin Republic last week, Nigeria finished second in Group C, just behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. The result earned them a place in the World Cup playoff round, where they will face Gabon’s Panthers in the semifinal next month in Morocco.
The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon encounter will go on to meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoff final for a place at the global tournament. The high-stakes matches will determine which African teams make it to the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport, Ikpeba said the team must give everything to reach the World Cup. “We can qualify for the World Cup; it’s another chance for them,” he said. “They have a second lifeline, and they have to grab it.”
Ikpeba, a former African Footballer of the Year, urged the players to stay focused, united, and motivated ahead of the crucial fixtures. He also expressed confidence that Nigeria has the quality and experience needed to make it through the playoffs and return to the world stage.
