Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba believes Finidi's focus on domestic talent can be a game-changer for the national team setup.
Legendary Nigerian footballer, Victor Ikpeba believes newly appointed coach Finidi George can turn the tide for the Super Eagles by giving players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) a chance to shine with the national team.
Ikpeba, who sits on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee that selected Finidi, emphasized the importance of integrating domestic league players into the national setup, something past coaches haven't prioritized.
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This move comes after a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign where the Eagles missed out on Qatar 2022 due to a heartbreaking loss to Ghana in the playoffs.
Ikpeba acknowledged that the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be a challenge for Finidi, but he believes focusing on homegrown talent offers a glimmer of hope.
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“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on the SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.
“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”
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Nigeria's quest for the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance, with the Super Eagles third in Group C, gathering only two points after playing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe last November.
Rwanda and South Africa hold the top positions, making qualification a significant challenge for the new coach. This is where Ikpeba believes Finidi's focus on domestic talent can be a game-changer. By integrating skilled players from the NPFL, the Super Eagles can potentially build a stronger squad and overcome the hurdles in Group C.
“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations.
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“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach," he continued
The Super Eagles are set to face South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, followed by a clash against Benin in Abidjan two days later.