Former African Footballer of The Year Victor Ikpeba is optimistic newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, will use his knowledge of the country’s domestic league to maximum effect by giving the Nigeria Premier Football League opportunities in the national side, The PUNCH reports.
Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Eagles job, also highlighted the significance of integrating players from the Nigeria Premier Football League into the national team, a move largely overlooked by previous coaches.
“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.
“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”
The Eagles missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a heart-wrenching loss to West African rivals Ghana in the World Cup qualification playoffs, falling short on the away goals rule.
Ikpeba admits the new Eagles coach faces a tough task in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Currently third in Group C with two points garnered from draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe last November, Nigeria are behind Rwanda and South Africa in the quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.
“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”
The Eagles are set to face South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, followed by a clash against Benin in Abidjan two days later. These matches carry immense importance in determining Nigeria’s path to World Cup qualification.
Additionally, Ikpeba revealed that Finidi has been offered a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, though he remained discreet about the specifics regarding the coach’s salary.
