Current Super Eagles players can’t play during my era – Ex-Monaco forward Victor Ikpeba

Former AS Monaco and Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has cast doubt on the ability of Super Eagles of Nigeria's current crop of players, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Speaking on the Bet9ja Home Turf, the former CAF Player of the Year suggests that many of the current players would not have been able to compete during his era.

Ikpeba, who was part of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and a key figure in the country’s golden generation, believes that football in his time demanded more talent, passion, and quality compared to the modern game.

“In my era, not everyone was allowed to play football. If you had to play, you needed talent, passion, and quality. Now, most parents want their kids to play football because there is money. That has changed,” Ikpeba stated.

Reflecting on the leagues of the 1980s and 1990s, the former Monaco striker emphasized that Nigerian club football was more competitive back then, with players needing to be exceptional to earn a place in the national team.

“The leagues we had in the ‘80s and ‘90s were very competitive, and the club players were very good. To be selected for the Green Eagles or Super Eagles, you had to be outstanding. Quality-wise and talent-wise, I think we had more in my era than this one,” he added.

Ikpeba further questioned whether the current generation of Nigerian footballers possesses the same skill, fighting spirit, and determination that defined his era.

“I don’t think some of these guys can play in my era, and that’s the truth. The skills, quality, and fight were different. Can these guys even play in Lagos?” he continued.

Watch the video here:

Victor Ikpeba says most of this generation can't play during their era. pic.twitter.com/jaBaJWCBvA

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Ikpeba’s comments have sparked mixed reactions in the Nigerian football community, with some questioning his comparison, especially considering that the current team has produced back-to-back African Player of the Year winners and Ballon d'Or nominees.