Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba believes the Super Eagles would have secured a vastly different result had head coach Eric Chelle opted to start George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to the Djurtus in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Chelle’s side struggled to impose themselves throughout the contest, falling behind in the first half when Franculino Djú opened the scoring. Guinea-Bissau maintained their dominance after the break, with Mama Baldé doubling their advantage before Álvaro Djaló wrapped up the victory with a third goal deep into stoppage time.
Read Also:2027 AFCONQ: ‘This Is Not The End’ — Chelle Optimistic Despite Humiliating Loss To Guinea-Bissau
Reacting to the setback on SuperSport, Ikpeba did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s approach and tactical choices against a physical opponent.
“The likes of Akor, Ademola, [and] Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started,” Ikpeba said. “I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”
Reflecting on the heavy loss and the mounting pressure from fans, the former forward added: “With a population of 250 million, the expectations are exceptionally elevated. The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply.”
Read Also:AFCON 2027Q: How Super Eagles Rated In Disappointing Defeat To Guinea-Bissau
The defeat shakes up Group L standings, lifting Guinea-Bissau to six points from two matches following their opening 2-0 win over Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remains on three points after their earlier 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar, leaving the Super Eagles with considerable ground to cover as the qualification campaign continues.
3 Comments
Even if Chelle had started Harry Kane, Harlan, and Osimhen with the same midfielders and wing backs, the team would still be defeated.
In the two matches, our opponents dominated the midfield and if not for Nwabali’s heroics, the team could have lost b9tg matches with a higher goal deficit.
This is the time to integrate younger, faster, and dynamic midfielders into the team.
We all saw what the combo of Samson Tijani, Nnadi, and Alhassan Yusuf did at the Unity cup, shielding the defense with a combination of power and skills against stronger teams. This combo delivered exquisite ball movement and tenacious box to box display.
Our midfield should be manned by Bashiru (the most impactful of the current midfielders), Nnadi, Tijani, and Yusuf.
ERIC CHELLE SHOULD WAKE UP.
IT IS NOT ONLY NIGERIA THAT HAS FOREIGN BORN PLAYERS IN THEIR NATIONAL TEAM.
DIER DROGBA, HAKIMI, MAHREZ, AUBAMEYANG, KANOUTE DIDN’T PLAY LOCAL LEAGUE NEITHER IN THEIR COUNTY NOR IN AFRICA. BUT MOST TIMES, THEY PLAYED ON BAD PITCH WHILE ON NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT AND WIN ACCOLADES FOR THEMSELVES WITHOUT COMPLAINING.
**PORTUGAL DIDN’T USE RONALDO AGAINST NORWAY THEY WON 2-1
** EGYPT DIDN’T USED SALAH AGAINST SOUTH SUDAN BUT THEY WON 5-0 ON ARTIFICIAL TURF PITCH.
COACH ERIC CHELLE SHOULD STOP INVITING/USING PLAYERS BASED ON EXPERIENCE (Without form/fitness), EGO, SENIORITY OR CAPTAINSHIP/LEADERSHIP.
BY NOW NDIDI(Benchwarmer), AWONIYI(Inconsistent Club Goal deciever), M.SIMON(Seniority), ONUACHU(Club highest goalscorer deceiver) DOESN’T HAVE BUSINESS IN SUPER EAGLE TEAM.
INVITE PLAYERS BASE ON AGGRESSIVENESS, QUALITY AND POTENTIAL.
ERIC CHELLE SHOULD GO AND LEARN HOW JORGEN KLOPP & ZIDANE BAN THE USE OF PHONE IN THE CAMP AND HAVE MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION WHILE COMING FOR NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT.
**ERIC CHELLE SHOULD STOP WORSHIP STARS, NAMES, EGOS OR PLAYER’S RECORDS IN SUPER EAGLE TEAM. HE SHOULD IGNORE/BENCH NEYMAR, SALAH, RONALDO WHEN IT IS NECESSARY(Adage).
How many foreign born played against GNB?
Just lookman, Bassey and Ajayi.
Others largely grew up here save Iwobi.
Foreign based, I can understand.
Foreign born? No.
We’ve told this lie for too long.
Morocco squad has the real foreign born, not us