Former Super Eagles forward, Victor Ikpeba, has urged the Nigerian national team to seize their playoff opportunity and book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite their emphatic 4–0 triumph over Benin Republic in the final Group C clash in Uyo, Nigeria fell short of automatic qualification for the global tournament. However, the victory secured them a crucial playoff berth. The Super Eagles will now face Gabon’s Panthers in the semifinal playoff, scheduled for November 13 at a yet-to-be-announced venue in Morocco.
The second semifinal will feature Cameroon against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with both fixtures deciding the teams that will progress to the final qualification stage for Africa’s World Cup slots.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport, Ikpeba emphasized that the Super Eagles must maintain their focus and fighting spirit heading into the decisive ties.
“This is another golden opportunity for Nigeria to show resilience and qualify for the World Cup,” Ikpeba said. “They’ve been handed a second lifeline, and it’s up to them to make the most of it. The battle isn’t over yet — they just need to keep the same hunger and discipline they displayed against Lesotho and Benin.”
Ikpeba commended the team’s strong showing in their last match, noting how the early goal against Benin calmed nerves and gave the players confidence to dominate.
“Against Benin, they were clinical,” he added. “That early strike settled them, and from there, they dictated the tempo. If they can reproduce that intensity and sharpness, there’s no reason Nigeria can’t overcome Gabon and Cameroon in the playoffs.”
The Super Eagles — three-time African champions — are chasing their seventh World Cup appearance. Their last participation came at the Russia 2018 edition, after narrowly missing out on Qatar 2022.
