AFCON Qualifiers: ‘You Can’t Step Up’ – Ikpeba Slams 3 Super Eagles Stars After Guinea-Bissau Defeat

Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has criticised Super Eagles forwards Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi following Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

Awoniyi was handed a rare starting role against the Djurtus because of fitness concerns surrounding George Ilenikhena. However, the Coventry City forward struggled to make an impact and was substituted at the beginning of the second half.

Lookman and Adams also failed to produce their best performances before being replaced by Ilenikhena and Tolu Arokodare as Nigeria suffered a heavy defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Speaking to SuperSport, Ikpeba questioned the decision to leave Ilenikhena and Moses Usor on the bench, while expressing concern about the performances of some of Nigeria’s more established attacking players.

“The likes of Akor, Ademola, Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started the game,” Ikpeba said.

He added: “I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”

Ikpeba also said the pressure on the Super Eagles is extremely high because of the expectations surrounding the national team. “With a population of 250 million, the expectations are exceptionally elevated. The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply,” he said.

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He also defended former Super Eagles coaches Jose Peseiro and Gernot Rohr, saying the criticism they received was not entirely justified. The defeat leaves Nigeria second in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau lead with six points.