Victor Ikpeba: Nigeria Legend Sends Warning to Super Eagles Ahead of Bafana Bafana Showdown

• Nigeria play South Africa and Benin next month in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Ex-Nigeria star, Victor Ikpeba, said the match against Bafana Bafana is massive
• The 2023 AFCON finals have not won a match in their World Cup qualifiers so far

Former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba, has cautioned the Super Eagles about their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

The Super Eagles are still buoyed by their incredible 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the final.

The three-time African champions recently appointed former international Finidi George as their head coach following Jose Peseiro's departure in February.

After a terrible start in their qualifying campaign, the West African giants will be under pressure to beat Bafana Bafana and Benin next month.

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They were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home by Lesotho and then drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe in November. Those results mean they are third in Group C with two points. Rwanda and South Africa occupy the first two spots, per FIFA.

The two sides met in the semis of the 2023 AFCON and played an epic game, decided by a penalty shootout.

Nigeria are also aiming to reach their first World Cup tournament since 2018. Therefore, Finidi will be expected to deliver positive results as he begins his tenure as the country's permanent coach.

Ikpeba on Nigeria vs South Africa

The 1994 AFCON winner with Nigeria stressed the importance of their clash against South Africa.

“The game against South Africa is the game of our lives. Finidi has the players having only recently reached the final of the AFCON, which was one of the toughest ever," via KickOff.

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The Monaco legend is aware that their match against South Africa is difficult, but he is positive they can beat the 1996 African champions.

“The boys know what is at stake. They have to be focused and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure they beat South Africa. It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”

On paper, Nigeria is a better team, but at the AFCON, Hugo Broos' side showed why they can be formidable.

Ikpeba on Finidi's appointment

Sports Brief also reported on Ikpeba weighing in on Finidi's appointment as Nigeria coach.

He said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) opted for the former Ajax star because they didn't have enough money to pursue a foreign coach.