Ikpeba Urges Super Eagles to Seize Playoff Opportunity for 2026 World Cup Ticket
Story: written by Daniel October 21,2025
Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has called on the Super Eagles to make the most of their playoff opportunity to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria missed out on automatic qualification despite a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic last week. The result saw them finish second in Group C, behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, thereby earning a playoff spot.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon’s Panthers in the semi-final of the playoffs, scheduled to take place in Morocco next month. The winner will later meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final stage.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport TV, Ikpeba urged the team to make the most of this “second chance.”
“We can still qualify for the World Cup. This is another opportunity, and they must take it seriously,” the former striker said.
“It’s a lifeline — they need to grab it with both hands.”
