Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has called on Nigeria’s national team to maximize their second opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the playoffs represent a critical second chance.
The Super Eagles failed to secure automatic qualification despite an impressive 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in their last group game, finishing second in Group C behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
As a result, Nigeria will now compete in the playoffs in Morocco next month, starting with a semi-final clash against Gabon’s Panthers. The winner of that match will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final for one of Africa’s remaining World Cup slots.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport TV, Ikpeba, a member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and the 1998 World Cup team, stressed the importance of focus and motivation for the current squad.
“We can qualify for the World Cup. It is another chance for them to play at the World Cup,” the former Monaco striker said. “They have a second lifeline, and they have to grab it.”
Ikpeba acknowledged that the playoffs would be challenging but expressed confidence that Nigeria has the quality to qualify if the team remains disciplined and united. Their earlier failures in the group stage cost them the top spot, but the decisive win over Benin has renewed optimism among supporters.
The Super Eagles must now build on that momentum to avoid another disappointment after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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