Nigeria: Victor Ikpeba criticizes attack after defeat to Guinea-Bissau

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

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Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba reacted strongly to the Super Eagles’ 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. He believes several attacking choices penalized Nigeria and would have preferred to see George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor start the match.

For Victor Ikpeba, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi did not have enough of an impact against Guinea-Bissau. The former striker believes Nigeria should have brought more freshness and efficiency to its attack.

He believes in particular that George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor deserved a place in the starting XI. In his view, their presence could have given more dynamism to a Nigerian attack that remained without an answer throughout the match.

The defeat has also renewed questions about the Super Eagles’ attacking play, as they were unable to score despite their chances.

Read also: 2027 AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria put themselves in danger after defeat to Guinea-Bissau

Nwabali defended after conceding three goals

Victor Ikpeba did not spare the Nigerian defense. However, he specifically refused to place the blame for the defeat on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The former international believes the defenders must take greater responsibility for the goals conceded, particularly Guinea-Bissau’s second goal. Defensive errors allowed the Djurtus to gradually take control of the match.

Franculino opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Mama Baldé then doubled the lead in the second half before Álvaro Djaló sealed the Bissau-Guinean victory in stoppage time, in the fifth minute.

Ikpeba defends Eric Chelle

Despite the scale of the defeat, Ikpeba did not directly blame Eric Chelle. The former striker believes the defeat was more a result of the players’ attitude and mentality.

His comments come as the Nigerian head coach faces criticism following the heavy defeat. For Ikpeba, the Super Eagles must above all correct their behavior on the pitch and regain greater concentration and individual responsibility.

Nigeria will have to react quickly in the remainder of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers to prevent this defeat to Guinea-Bissau from further jeopardizing its campaign.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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