Former CAF Player of the Year Victor Ikpeba has warned the Super Eagles that the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers fixture against South Africa will not be an easy one, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria take on South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo later in June in a game that could decide who eventually qualifies from Group C of CAF's World Cup qualifiers.
In recent years, whenever both teams countries clash, it has always been a tough and interesting encounter. Both countries served up one of the best games of the 2023 Africa Cup of Natioms when they clashed in the semifinal of the competition.
The Super Eagles led for most of the tie. But the game took an interesting twist when Nigeria scored the second goal which was ruled out for a foul. Interestingly, that found happened to be in Nigeria's box, which led to a penalty for South Africa. Teboho Mokena took no prisoners, as he converted. The Bafana Bafana had a late chance to score, but Nigeria held on to push it to shootouts. Eventually, Stanley Nwabali made two saves to see the Super Eagles through.
Both sides meet again in June. And ahead of the game, former Nigeria forward Ikpeba, who won the CAF POTY in 1997 is expecting a spectacular. He believes the Super Eagles would have to put in extra to emerge on top.
“The game against South Africa is the game of our lives,” Ikpeba said on Supersports Monday Night Football, per Naija News.
“Finidi has the players having only recently reached the final of the AFCON, which was one of the toughest ever and the boys know what is at stake.
“They have to be focused and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure they beat South Africa. It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”
The last time the Bafana Bafana visited Uyo, they left with a 2-0. However, coach Finidi George will be looking to prevent a repeat or that.
Let Finidi try and BUILD A STRONG TEAM. Ball controlling, goal scoring defenders, midfielders and attackers. Don’t over rely on Osimhen. Pls build an all round team. A complete team, like we had under Finidi’s former master, Clemence Westerhof. Look at Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, all players look like strikers. That’s what Nigeria need. We’re blessed with strikers. This is our edge over other teams.
I agree with victor on his submission, the secret of Man. city’s success is the unpredictability of who can score goals, everyone on the field is a potential goal scorer, Finnidi should replicate it in the super eagles.
Finidi should talk less and concentrate on the job ahead. Especially the two world cup qualifiers. Let him keep his strategy to himself. Talk less and prevent controversies now that you have herculean task ahead.