Victor Ikpeba offers valuable advice to Nigeria coach Eric Chelle ahead of World Cup playoff

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has urged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle not to alter the lineup that delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over Benin during the 2026 World Cup playoff.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a playoff to determine their fate for the tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon on November 13, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

Ikpeba believes maintaining the same squad will sustain the team’s momentum in the crucial playoff.

“You don’t change a winning team,” he told SuperSport, stressing that consistency is key as the Super Eagles aim to redeem themselves after missing the last World Cup in Qatar.

“It’s a second chance for us to qualify for the World Cup… we have to get it right this time,” Ikpeba said, noting the high stakes and national expectations resting on Chelle and his players.

The pressure on Chelle remains intense, with fans demanding a return to the global stage. However, optimism is high as star players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the squad expected to lead Nigeria’s charge for qualification.