Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has urged the Super Eagles to restore discipline in their camp as the team battles to save its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria’s sluggish start to the qualifiers has left the three-time African champions in a precarious position, sparking calls from some quarters for the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee. But Ikpeba, speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football programme, dismissed those calls, insisting that the real problem lies with the players’ focus and commitment.

“Our players should take the lion’s share of the blame for our shoddy performance so far in the World Cup qualifiers,” Ikpeba said.

“They were given everything they needed to deliver qualification without stress, but somehow, they have not lived up to expectations. I won’t question their commitment, but with the quality of players we have, Nigeria should not be struggling in our group.”

For Ikpeba, the real issue lies in the players’ inability to remain fully concentrated on the task at hand. He pointed to distractions within the camp as a factor affecting performances, urging the NFF to clamp down on the problem before it derails both World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations ambitions.

“The biggest problem of the Super Eagles is the distraction in camp before and after matches. I expect the NFF to tackle that problem,” Ikpeba warned.

Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Ikpeba expressed confidence in the current head coach, Eric Chelle. He dismissed suggestions that another managerial change was needed, instead praising the Malian tactician for the competitive environment he has fostered since taking charge.

“Chelle is doing a good job and I believe we wouldn’t be in this situation if he had started the qualifiers with the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba noted. “He will create competition for places in the squad and make use of the talented players we have abroad. He hasn’t dismissed any player, but he is creating an environment for healthy competition by giving opportunities to different players to fight for a place.”

Ikpeba concluded on an optimistic note, insisting that with greater discipline and unity, Nigeria can still achieve success in the months ahead. “Chelle can still lead Nigeria to the AFCON, irrespective of the outcome of our World Cup bid,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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