Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has shared his thoughts following Super Eagles’ 3-0 loss away at Guinea-Bissau in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Franculino, Mama Baldé and Alvaro Djalo got on the score sheet as the Djurtus put Eric Chelle’s men to the sword to the delight of the home fans at the Estadio 24 de Setembro.

Eric Chelle made a few changes to the squad with Awoniyi getting a rare start in place for the half-fit George Ilenikhena while Bright-Osayi Samuel came in for Ola Aina.

In his post-match thoughts after the loss, Ikpeba questioned Eric Chelle’s selections for the match and the mentality of the players. The former Monaco forward also expressed concerns about the manner of the loss citing the poor performance of the group.

He revealed that the Malian coach should have started George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who helped the Super Eagles to the comeback win over Madagascar.

Ikpeba acknowledged the huge expectations that comes with playing for the Super Eagles but insists the players didn’t do enough on the day.

“The likes of Akor, Ademola, Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started the game,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport.

“I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”

“250 million the expectations is very high. The way we capitulated pains me. If we had played better and lost, I would still take it. It is a player problem right from the time of Gernot Rohr and Peseiro,” he added.

Victor Ikpeba also further argued that the definition of success needs to be reviewed, especially among Nigerian football enthusiasts. In his argument, Ikpeba believes winning trophies does not necessarily represent success.

He also stressed that the poor treatment Super Eagles previous managers: Gernot Rohr and Jose Peseiro got was unwarranted.

“The way we interpret success back home here is another problem. People just think that winning trophies every time is the best way forward, no. We cannot win trophies every two years.”

“The way Peseiro left and damaged by some section of the media and fans is not fair. Gernot Rohr did a good job. It is not the fault of Eric Chelle. We have to pressure the mentality of our players.”

The victory ensured Emiliano Té’s side remained on top of Group L with six points, five goals and two clean sheets after the round of matches in the series.