AFCON qualifiers: ‘You can’t step up’ – Ikpeba slams 3 Super Eagles’ stars after Guinea-Bissau defeat

Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has harshly criticized Super Eagles forwards Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Taiwo Awoniyi following their 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Tuesday. Awoniyi, who started the match due to George Ilenikhena's fitness issues, struggled to make an impact and was substituted early in the second half.

Both Adams and Lookman failed to live up to expectations and were replaced by Ilenikhena and Tolu Arokodare as Nigeria suffered a significant setback in the 2027 AFCON qualifying match. Ikpeba expressed disappointment in the performances of these established players, stating that they should not have been dropped to the bench. He also advocated for George Ilenikhena to have started the game, emphasizing the need for the team to display the fighting spirit associated with the green and white jersey.

Ikpeba acknowledged the immense pressure on the Super Eagles, given Nigeria's population of 250 million, and highlighted the team's poor display in the wake of the collapse as more concerning than the actual result. Despite this, he backed former coaches Jose Peseiro and Gernot Rohr, arguing that the criticism aimed at the managers was not entirely justified.

The defeat leaves Nigeria in second place in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau leads Group L with six points.