Former international Victor Ikpeba has expressed his disappointment with the Super Eagles shock 2-1 home loss to Rwanda last night, while calling for new players to improve competition in the national team.
Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen lined up an experimental starting XI after as many as seven starters from the 1-1 draw with Benin Thursday did not start last night.
“I am disappointed with the result and the performance of the team”, Ikpeba said on Monday Night Football beamed on SuperSport TV.
“This was a chance for the other players in the squad to show whether they are good enough to be part of the national team.
“Unfortunately, they failed to turn up, they didn’t do well for themselves and the fans.
“There is therefore a need for new players to be called up so as to create more competition in the team”.
Ikpeba, who is a member of the NFF technical committee, said the main focus is qualification to the 2026 World Cup and the Super Eagles did not do enough to intimidate both Benin and Rwanda, who are in their qualifying group.
The Super Eagles opened scoring in the 59th minute courtesy of the individual brilliance of substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
He simply raced the heart of the crowded Rwanda defence before he delivered a low shot that beat the goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Rwanda drew level in the 72nd minute, when Jimmy Mutsinzi headed home a header beyond goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The visitors then pulled ahead three minutes later through Innocent Nshuti.
In the 50th minute, a header by Victor Boniface off Moses Simon corner was saved by the outstanding Rwanda goalkeeper, who was Man of the Match when both teams played out a scoreless draw in Kigali in September.
