Ikpeba criticizes Lookman Adams Awoniyi after Super Eagles loss to Guinea-Bissau
Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba slammed Super Eagles forwards Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi after Nigeria's 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday evening. Ikpeba said the trio "cannot step up" and argued that younger players George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor should have started instead. Ilenikhena came on as a substitute, while Awoniyi was withdrawn early in the second half.
The loss leaves Nigeria in second place in Group L with three points, behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau on six points, raising concerns about the team's attacking form ahead of the remaining qualifiers. Ikpeba noted that the manner of the collapse troubled him more than the scoreline, given the high expectations from Nigeria's 250-million population.
Will the Super Eagles coach reconsider his starting XI and give more opportunities to Ilenikhena and Usor, or will he stick with the established forwards despite their recent struggles?