Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to stick with the same team that thrashed Benin Republic 4–0 in Uyo during the final group game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The emphatic victory in Uyo last month sealed Nigeria’s place in the playoffs and restored confidence among fans after a shaky start to the campaign.
The Super Eagles prepare to face Gabon on the 13th of November playoff semi-final in Rabat, Ikpeba believes continuity will be key.
Chelle’s side will square up against the Panthers at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan with the winner advancing to the final round of the CAF playoff series.
Ikpeba, who was crowned Africa’s best player in 1997, told SuperSport that the current group have earned the right to continue.
“You don’t change a winning team,” Ikpeba said. “It’s a second chance for us to qualify for the World Cup. We have to get it right this time, especially after missing Qatar 2022.”
Ikpeba was a member of Super Eagles team to the FIFA World Cups in 1994. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has been credited with reviving the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes since taking charge.
Under Chelle, the Super Eagles secured their first win on matchday five after José Peseiro drew the opening two games and Finidi George managed one draw and one defeat during his brief interim spell.
Chelle guided the team to an unbeaten finish, recording four wins and two draws as Nigeria placed second in Group C with 17 points. The three-time African champions are now hoping to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Gabon tie includes key names from the Uyo triumph with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi all returning to lead the charge.
Victor Osimehn and Samuel Chukwueze. Photo Credit: X
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Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke are also back in the mix after missing the previous window.
Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Toluwalase Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun.
Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
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This will be the 10th meeting between Nigeria and Gabon. The Super Eagles have won five of the previous nine encounters, drawn three, and lost only once, a 2-1 defeat in 1989 World Cup qualifying. Coincidentally, neither side reached Italia ’90.
Nigeria’s most recent victory came in 2005, a 2-0 win in another World Cup qualifier, though both nations again fell short of qualification.
