Ikpeba salutes Osimhen, Eric Chelle despite draw against Zimbabwe
Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has praised Victor Osimhen and coach Eric Chelle for the Super Eagles’ battling performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles secured their first-ever win in Rwanda but were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Zimbabwe last Tuesday.
Ikpeba noted that the team still has a lot to play for if they hope to qualify for next year’s Mundial.
“I loved the commitment and attitude of Osimhen. He gave everything and scored three goals,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football program.
He also defended Osimhen’s decision to walk off the pitch angrily after the Zimbabwe match, saying, “There was nothing wrong with him walking out angrily; such things happen.”
Ikpeba further commended Eric Chelle for instilling a new fighting spirit in the Super Eagles. “Had we appointed him earlier, we would have been in a better position on the table,” he added.
“Against Zimbabwe, we did enough to win the game, but we did not take our chances.
“We still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup. The boys need to regroup in September and go for it again,” stated the former Super Eagles star.
