Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has pointed to the constant changes of coaches as a major reason for Nigeria’s faltering FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Speaking in Lagos after Nigeria’s latest round of qualifiers, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year expressed concern that the lack of continuity in the national team setup has disrupted consistency and performance on the pitch.
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Ikpeba explained that the frequent sackings and appointments of coaches have left players unsettled, as they are forced to adapt to new systems and philosophies within short periods.
According to him, stability in the dugout is crucial for any team seeking success at international level. “The constant changes of managers have been a big problem,” he said.
“Every coach comes with his own ideas, his own style of play, and the players do not have time to properly adjust before another change is made. That instability has hurt the Super Eagles.”
Despite his criticism of past decisions, Ikpeba threw his support behind current head coach Eric Chelle, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to allow him time to build a competitive side, even if qualification for the 2026 World Cup does not materialize.
He stressed that long-term planning must take precedence over short-term fixes. “Even if we miss out on qualification this time, Chelle should be allowed to continue,” Ikpeba advised. “We cannot keep starting over again and again. Stability is the key to success.”
The former Monaco striker also called on players to take greater responsibility, insisting that they must rise above challenges and deliver performances worthy of Nigeria’s football heritage.
“The Super Eagles are a big name in African football, and the players must realize the weight of that responsibility,” he added. “It is not only about coaches. The players themselves must show hunger and determination.”
Ikpeba concluded by expressing hope that with better planning, patience, and discipline, Nigeria can rebuild a team capable of competing at the highest level again.
