Victor Ikpeba questions Nigeria attack after Guinea Bissau defeat

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has questioned the Super Eagles’ attacking choices after their 3 0 defeat by Guinea Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ikpeba believes Nigeria lacked energy and effectiveness in attack and said he would have preferred to see George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor included in the starting line up.

The former striker was critical of the performances of Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi, who he felt failed to make the required impact during the defeat.

Nigeria created opportunities during the match but could not find a way through the Guinea Bissau defence. Their inability to turn chances into goals became one of the main concerns after a result that left the Super Eagles with work to do in the qualifying campaign.

Ikpeba believes the attacking options could have been different from the start. He argued that Ilenikhena and Usor deserved an opportunity in the starting eleven and could have brought more pace and movement to an attack that struggled to trouble Guinea Bissau consistently.

The defeat has also raised further questions about Nigeria’s attacking approach after the team failed to score despite having opportunities.

Guinea Bissau took control of the game early when Franculino opened the scoring after 15 minutes.

Nigeria then conceded a second goal after the break as Mama Baldé extended the hosts’ advantage. Álvaro Djaló completed the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a 3 0 victory.

Ikpeba also addressed criticism directed at goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after he conceded three goals.

The former Nigeria striker did not believe Nwabali should carry the blame for the result. Instead, he argued that the defenders needed to accept greater responsibility for the goals conceded.

He particularly pointed to Guinea Bissau’s second goal, saying defensive mistakes had allowed the Djurtus to build control of the match.

Despite the size of the defeat, Ikpeba also stopped short of placing the responsibility directly on coach Eric Chelle.

The former striker believes the problems were more closely linked to the players’ attitude and mentality during the match.

Chelle has faced criticism following the heavy loss, but Ikpeba’s assessment puts greater emphasis on the players’ response and their responsibility on the pitch.

Nigeria now need to recover from the defeat as their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign continues. The Super Eagles will have to improve their attacking output, concentration and individual responsibility to prevent the setback against Guinea Bissau from having a greater impact on their campaign.