Seizing the ‘Second Lifeline’: Ikpeba Insists Super Eagles Must Conquer 2026 World Cup Playoffs

The Super Eagles of Nigeria may have missed out on securing an automatic qualification ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but a “second lifeline” has been extended. Following their nail-biting finish as one of Africa’s best group runners-up, the three-time African champions are now headed for a critical mini-tournament playoff. This high-stakes reality has prompted former Nigerian international and football legend Victor Ikpeba to issue a strong call to action: the team must grab this opportunity with both hands.

Speaking on Monday Night Football on Supersport TV, Ikpeba emphasized the paramount importance of Nigeria featuring at the next World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite a commanding 4-0 home victory over the Benin Republic in their final Group C fixture, the Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa, who secured the automatic spot. This result, however, was enough to book a place in the CAF playoffs, scheduled to take place in Morocco next month (November 2025).

The path ahead is fraught with difficulty, pitting the Super Eagles against formidable West African rivals:

Semi-Final: Nigeria will square up with the Panthers of Gabon in an all-West African clash. Ikpeba warned that Gabon, especially with a rejuvenated Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will be no pushovers.

Potential Final: Should the Eagles overcome Gabon, they will likely face another fierce derby against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the final round.

Ikpeba’s message was unequivocal: this unexpected playoff round offers the team a vital chance to redeem a qualifying campaign marred by a sluggish start, which he previously identified as Nigeria’s biggest undoing.

The “Prince of Monaco” believes the Super Eagles possess the necessary quality—ranking the squad among Africa’s best—but stressed that raw talent is not enough in the crucible of African derbies. The players must show the same fighting spirit and renewed focus witnessed in their final group match.

“We can qualify for the World Cup, it is another chance for them to play at the World Cup,” Ikpeba said. “They have a second lifeline, they have to grab it”.

The overall winner of this CAF playoff tournament will then advance to the intercontinental playoff stage, where they will battle for one of the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup. For Nigeria, this is now a mandatory route to the global stage