Ikpeba: Chelle Got Ilenikhena, Usor Decision Wrong Against Guinea-Bissau
Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba criticized coach Eric Chelle's team selection following Nigeria's 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in an AFCON qualifier. Ikpeba argued that younger players like George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor should have started the match to provide necessary intensity.
Why it matters
The performance of the national football team is a major cultural touchstone in Nigeria, and coaching decisions are subject to intense public and expert scrutiny.
Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has questioned Eric Chelle’s decision to leave George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor out of the starting line-up as the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Bissau.
Nigeria were second best for long periods at the Estádio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring to hand Guinea-Bissau a convincing victory.
The defeat was Chelle’s first since taking charge of the Super Eagles and left Nigeria on three points from two Group L matches, while Guinea-Bissau moved to six points after winning their opening two games.
Ikpeba, speaking on SuperSport, criticised the selection and questioned why Ilenikhena and Usor were not given starting roles after their contributions to Nigeria’s opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
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