Former Nigeria international Victor Ikoeba believes Eric Chelle can lead the country to success at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, despite their difficult World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles chances of qualifying remains very slim with only two rounds of matches remaining.
A poor start to the qualifying campaign has left them in third place with 11 points, six points behind Group C leaders South Africa who have 17.
In two qualifying matches earlier this month, they pipped Rwanda 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, before recording a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein against Bafana Bafana.
Despite this setback, Victor Ikpeba, who was part of the Nigerian squad that secured victory at the 1994 African Cup of Nations is confident of success in Morocco later this year.
“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 praised Eric Chelle in his statement.
“The biggest problem of the Super Eagles is the distraction in camp before and after matches. I expect the NFF to tackle that problem. Chelle can still lead Nigeria to the AFCON, irrespective of the outcome of our World Cup bid.
“He will create competition for places in the squad and make use of the talented players we have abroad,” Ikpeba added.
“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.”
Can Nigeria win the AFCON?
The Super Eagles have won the prestigious tournament on three occasions- in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
They narrowly missed out in the last edition held in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 in the final to the host nation.
Nigeria will compete at the 2025 edition to be held in Morocco later this year in Group C with matches against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Despite enduring a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign so far, the country has one of the best squad in the continent at its disposal, including the previous two winners of the African footballer of the year award- Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
All eyes will be on the team in Morocco, as they look to improve on their silver medal finish in the last edition.
