Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba, has praised head coach Eric Chelle, insisting that the French tactician is making positive strides with the Nigeria national team.
Ikpeba, however, also criticized some of the squad’s foreign-born players, saying they lack a true understanding of what it means to compete in African football.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with South Africa at Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium on Tuesday, Ikpeba emphasized Chelle’s impact on the team’s mentality.
The coach had recently called up several foreign-born Nigerians for the September international break, including Felix Agu, Calvin Bassey, Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and William Troost-Ekong.
“Eric Chelle is introducing a new approach to the Super Eagles, focusing more on an African mentality,” Ikpeba told PrimeSports with Mahlatse.
“Some of the players born overseas don’t fully grasp what it takes to play in Africa, but the coach is doing a great job.”
