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 evening.
Awoniyi was handed a rare start against the Djurtus due to fitness concerns surrounding George Ilenikhena.
However, the Coventry City forward struggled to make an impact and was replaced at the start of the second half.
Adams and Lookman also failed to produce their best performances before they were substituted for Ilenikhena and Tolu Arokodare as Nigeria suffered a heavy defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.
Speaking during his post-match analysis, Ikpeba questioned the decision to leave Ilenikhena and Moses Usor on the bench, while also expressing disappointment with the performances of some of Nigeria's senior attackers.
“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 on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.
“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 acknowledged the huge expectations surrounding the Super Eagles, stressing that the manner of Nigeria's defeat was more concerning than the result itself.
“250 million the expectations is very high. The way we capitulated pains me. If we had played better and lost, I would still take it. It is a player problem right from the time of Gernot Rohr, and Peseiro,” he added.
The former Monaco forward further called for a change in how success is viewed in Nigerian football, arguing that winning trophies cannot be the only measure of progress.
“The way we interpret success back home here is another problem. People just think that winning trophies every time is the best way forward, no. We cannot win trophies every two years.”
Ikpeba also defended former Super Eagles coaches Jose Peseiro and Gernot Rohr, insisting that the criticism directed at the two managers was not entirely justified.
“The way Peseiro left and damaged by some section of the media and fans is not fair. Gernot Rohr did a good job. It is not the fault of Eric Chelle. We have to pressure the mentality of our players,” Ikpeba concluded.
The defeat leaves Nigeria second in Group L with three points, while Guinea Bissau sit top of the group with six points.
Adeyemi Adewale
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