Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has questioned Eric Chelle’s decision to leave George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor out of the starting line-up as the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Bissau.
Nigeria were second best for long periods at the Estádio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring to hand Guinea-Bissau a convincing victory.
The defeat was Chelle’s first since taking charge of the Super Eagles and left Nigeria on three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after winning their opening two games.
Ikpeba, speaking on SuperSport, criticised the selection and questioned why Ilenikhena and Usor were not given starting roles after their contributions to Nigeria’s opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
“The likes of Akor, Ademola, Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started,” Ikpeba said.
“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.”
Ilenikhena and Usor had both featured prominently in the comeback win over Madagascar, with each scoring on his Super Eagles debut. Ilenikhena, however, was not deemed fit enough to start against Guinea-Bissau and was introduced in the second half.
Usor was brought on at half-time alongside Moses Simon as Chelle attempted to change the course of the match, while Ilenikhena entered in the 75th minute. The young striker came close to scoring late on, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadjé made a crucial save.
Ikpeba also criticised the manner of Nigeria’s defeat, saying the expectations surrounding the national team remain exceptionally high.
“With a population of 250 million, the expectations are exceptionally elevated. The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply,” he said.
The former Monaco forward added that Nigeria’s players needed to show greater commitment when representing the national team.
The Super Eagles must now regroup for the next stage of the qualifying campaign, having fallen three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L. With Tanzania automatically qualified as a co-host, only the highest-placed non-host nation from the group will secure the remaining qualification berth.
—By Salifu Usman
