Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has urged Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle to maintain consistency in his team selection ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The Super Eagles secured a spot in the playoffs with a convincing 4‑0 win over Benin in Uyo last month, and Ikpeba emphasized the importance of sticking with the winning team, stating, “You don’t change a winning team.”
The Eagles are set to face Gabon in the semi‑final of the playoffs at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat next Thursday. This match offers a crucial opportunity for the team to move closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and serves as a second chance to redeem themselves after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Ikpeba believes the playoffs represent a fresh start and stresses that the team must capitalize on this opportunity, especially given their recent absence from the World Cup.
The upcoming clash with Gabon will be a significant test for Chelle’s side, and the performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. The 4‑0 victory over Benin demonstrated the squad’s capabilities when they play cohesively, reinforcing Ikpeba’s advice to retain the current lineup. As the team prepares for the semi‑final, they will need to draw on that recent performance and work together to achieve a positive outcome.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will feature intense competition, and the Super Eagles must be at the top of their game to progress. With Chelle’s guidance and the experience of players who contributed to the Benin win, the team has a chance to make a strong impression. The result of the Gabon match will be eagerly anticipated, and fans will be hoping for a repeat of the recent success.
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