Ex–footballer Victor Ikpeba blames Super Eagles Players, Defends NFF over World Cup qualification struggles

 Former Nigeria international footballer, Victor Ikpeba has blamed the Super Eagles players for the countrys shaky position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, while dismissing calls for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee. Speaking on SuperSports, Ikpeba stressed that the NFF had done its part to provide the team with everything needed to succeed. Our players should take the lions share of the blame for our shoddy performance so far in the World Cup qualifiers, Ikpeba said. They were given everything they needed to deliver qualification without stress, but somehow they have not lived up to expectations. I wont question their commitment, but with the quality of players we have, Nigeria should not be struggling in our group. He further dismissed calls for the resignation of the NFF leadership, asking critics: Do they expect committee members to come and play the game on the pitch? According to Ikpeba, the NFF has provided solid travel arrangements, quality accommodation, and all necessary logistics, leaving the players with no excuse for underperformance. The Prince of Monaco also backed current Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, describing him as the right man to restore stability. He argued that Nigerias poor start stemmed from the two coaches who handled the opening four qualifiers. Chelle is doing a good job and I believe we wouldnt be in this situation if he had started the qualifiers with the Super Eagles, Ikpeba said. He will create competition for places in the squad and make use of the talented players we have abroad. He hasnt dismissed any player, but he is giving opportunities to different players to fight for a place. Ikpeba also pointed to off-field distractions as a recurring issue in the teams camp. He urged the NFF to tackle disciplinary lapses and ensure focus before and after matches. The biggest problem of the Super Eagles is the distraction in camp before and after games. I expect the NFF to tackle that problem. Chelle can still lead Nigeria to the AFCON, irrespective of the outcome of our World Cup bid, he concluded. The post Exfootballer VictorIkpeba blames Super Eagles Players, Defends NFF over World Cup qualification struggles appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.