Victor Ikpeba on Nigeria’s AFCON Squad: “You Can’t Keep Going With the Same Options”

Nigeria’s squad for AFCON in Morocco sparked some debate, with several new faces included and a number of established names left out.

While stars such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the group, the presence of uncapped players alongside the absence of familiar figures has raised questions about direction, selection, and long-term planning.

Speaking to Bet9ja, former AFCON winner Victor Ikpeba insisted the changes should not come as a shock, especially given recent setbacks.

“No, it shouldn’t be a big surprise in the fallout of a major tournament of not qualifying for the World Cup,” Ikpeba said. “It’s a huge setback. So you cannot just continue with the same set of players. Something you have to let go.”

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New Faces Needed

Nigeria’s squad includes uncapped right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed, as well as striker Salim Fago Lawal. For Ikpeba, their inclusion reflects public feeling as much as technical planning.

“In Nigeria, I think the feeling is people want to see some new faces there,” he said. “It’s the reality for the older players that if you don’t step up, you may eventually lose your position.”

Ikpeba was direct when addressing the high-profile omissions, including Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella and others.

“You’ve got some names that have not got the call-up for AFCON simply because they don’t deserve to be there,” he said. “If you didn’t make the cut, that means the coach doesn’t think you’re good enough to be part of the 28-man squad.”

A Message to the Senior Players

For Ikpeba, the squad selection sends a clear message to those left out, and to those who remain.

“Having these new faces shows directly to the older players that some of their time is coming up,” he explained. “They have to show Nigerians again that they are good enough to be part of this setup for the next five years.”

That long-term view is central to Ikpeba’s thinking, with AFCON seen as part of a wider rebuild rather than an isolated objective.

“Everything the Super Eagles are doing now, including this AFCON, should be with a lens of looking to the 2030 World Cup.”

Youth, Risk and Hunger

Ikpeba also pointed to recent examples that justify taking chances on younger players, even if it involves risk.

“We saw how the manager is not shy to give chances to younger good players,” he explained. “Nobody saw Benjamin Fredericks some months ago, and he has been outstanding. It’s very unfortunate that he’s injured.”

For Ikpeba, that approach is exactly what Nigeria need.

“It shows that you have to take risks with these young players sometimes,” give them the opportunity, give them the exposure, and they come with that hunger. That fighting spirit is what we need in the national team.”

He believes tournament selection itself can be a powerful motivator.

“Being selected will be an extra motivation for these new players,” Ikpeba added. “I hope they bring that hunger into the fold in this tournament.”