Victor Ikpeba, former African Footballer of the Year, urges Nigerians to support new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria aims for the 2026 World Cup. Ikpeba believes Chelle has the potential to succeed with the backing of fans and players, despite challenges in the qualification campaign.
Victor Ikpeba, the former African Footballer of the Year, has called for united support behind newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria strives to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ikpeba, who was part of the NFF technical committee that recommended Chelle's hiring, acknowledged the passion surrounding the team, emphasizing that appointing a new coach for such a high-profile team often sparks debate.
In a recent interview with Brila FM, Ikpeba expressed that, despite the inevitable reactions to the decision, it’s crucial to rally behind Chelle for success. He noted that even a global coach like Pep Guardiola wouldn’t escape criticism in such a high-pressure environment. However, Ikpeba remains optimistic about the future, urging Nigerians to back Chelle and the players during the World Cup qualification campaign.
Ikpeba stressed that Chelle, being a young coach, has the potential to succeed with the necessary support. While Nigeria faces a challenging path to qualification, Ikpeba is confident that the Super Eagles can still clinch a spot in the prestigious tournament. With the backing of the Nigerian people, the team can overcome challenges and strive for success on the world stage.
