Ikpeba on Super Eagles vs Libya; Ighalo, Iwobi's Yekini, Okocha Comparisons

Former Super Eagles striker and 1997 African Footballer of The Year Victor Ikpeba has urged the Nigerian national side to go for the kill in Tuesday's reverse fixture of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya in Sfax.

Gernot Rohr's side mauled The Mediterranean Knights 4-0 at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday to go second of the Group E qualification table with six points behind South Africa who have seven points after three games.

Ikpeba who spoke on Supersport Monday night said:

"We need to have a good 45 minutes. The team need to start well because they didn't have a good first half on Saturday.

"It will not be an easy game in Tunisia but they (Super Eagles) will be on track to qualifying for the AFCON 2019 in Cameroon.

"The players should not think we have landed, they can't go into that game with that mentality. They have to get at least a draw," Ikpeba admonished.

Ikpeba spared thoughts on striker Odion Ighalo who has been hit by waves of criticisms following an average showing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia but responded in admirable fashion with a hat-trick over the weekend.

"We have to criticize our players constructively. Football is like the stock market.

"We must kudos to Rohr.  Some other coaches would have dropped him. Ighalo has reacted positively with that hat trick.

"The confidence was there, his second goal was particularly great. Apart from his goals, the team work was good. He's not the new Rashidi Yekini but has shown in this game that you can count on him," the onetime AS Monaco and Borrusia Dortmund star stated.

The 'Prince of Monaco' further spoke on the importance of Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi to the Eagles.

"Iwobi is not the new Jay Jay just yet. He's a good passer of the ball, we need players like him to pick up the balls and drive the team forward, but no, he's not the new Jay Jay Okocha (Iwobi's uncle).

"Iwobi will be key in this game but overall the team need to defend and attack as a team because the Libyans can hurt us. The 4-0 score did not truly mean the Libyans are weak," Ikpeba concluded.

Izuchukwu Okosi