Former African Footballer of The Year Victor Ikpeba expresses confidence in newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George's ability to leverage his knowledge of the country’s domestic league by providing opportunities for Nigerian Premier Football League players in the national team.
Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Eagles job, emphasized the importance of integrating NPFL players into the national team, a aspect often overlooked by previous coaches.
"Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool," Ikpeba stated on the SuperSport program, Monday Night Football. "As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he's well-connected within the domestic scene and will open doors for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself."
Reflecting on Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a disappointing loss to West African rivals Ghana, Ikpeba acknowledges the tough road ahead for the new Eagles coach in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
"With crucial fixtures against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces a pivotal moment in our World Cup aspirations," Ikpeba commented on the SuperSport program. "We are in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is crucial. With the talent at our disposal, if Finidi can get the best out of the players, qualification is attainable."
The Eagles are scheduled to play South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, followed by a match against Benin in Abidjan two days later. These matches hold significant importance in shaping Nigeria’s path to World Cup qualification.
Ikpeba also disclosed that Finidi has been offered a one-year contract with the potential for extension, although he did not delve into specifics regarding the coach’s salary.
