Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has expressed doubts about whether some current Super Eagles players would have made the squad during his playing days. Ikpeba, a key member of the Nigerian team in the 1990s, was part of the squad that won the 1994 AFCON and reached the World Cup round of 16 that same year.
Speaking on Bet9ja Home Turf, Ikpeba argued that football in his era required more talent, passion, and quality than it does today. He pointed out that in the past, only the most skilled and dedicated players were given opportunities, whereas modern football has become more financially driven.
Comparing generations, Ikpeba claimed that many of today’s Super Eagles players would not have been able to compete during his time. He highlighted the difference in skill, quality, and determination, questioning whether the current squad could handle the intensity of playing in a place like Lagos, where expectations were extremely high.
While football has evolved over the years, Ikpeba’s comments reflect a common debate about the changing standards in the game. Whether today’s players lack the same level of grit and technical ability as those from the past remains a matter of opinion, but his remarks certainly add to the ongoing discussion about Nigeria’s footballing identity.