Former international Victor Ikpeba has praised Victor Osimhen and coach Eric Chelle for the Super Eagles’ spirited display in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0, recording their first win in the qualifiers, before they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Zimbabwe.
Osimhen grabbed a brace against the Amavubi of Rwanda and scored the Super Eagles’ only goal against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
“I loved the commitment and attitude of Osimhen; he gave everything and scored three goals,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport TV’s programme Monday Night Football.
“There was nothing wrong with him walking out angrily after the Zimbabwe match. Such things happen.”
Ikpeba, a member of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 1994 team, lauded Chelle for injecting a new fighting spirit into the team.
“Had we appointed him earlier, we would have been in a better position on the table,” he said.
“Against Zimbabwe, we did enough to win the game, but we did not take our chances.”
2026 WCQ: Ikpeba hails Osimhen, Chelle for Super Eagles performance against Rwanda, Zimbabwe
