Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has slammed Super Eagles forwards Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday evening.
Awoniyi was handed a rare starting role against the Djurtus due to fitness concerns over George Ilenikhena.
Nevertheless, the Coventry City forward was unable to make a significant contribution and was withdrawn at the beginning of the second half.
Adams and Lookman similarly failed to produce their best performances before being replaced by Ilenikhena and Tolu Arokodare as Nigeria suffered a heavy defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Ikpeba told SuperSport that Ilenikhena and Moses Usor should not have been dropped to the bench, while expressing concern over the displays of some of Nigeria’s established attacking players.
“The likes of Akor, Ademola, Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started the game,” Ikpeba said.
“I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”
Ikpeba further acknowledged the immense pressure facing the Super Eagles, emphasising that the manner in which Nigeria collapsed was more troubling than the outcome itself.
“With a population of 250 million, the expectations are exceptionally elevated. The manner in which we surrendered pained me deeply.”
Ikpeba supported former Super Eagles coaches Jose Peseiro and Gernot Rohr, asserting that the criticism levelled at the two managers was not entirely warranted.
The defeat leaves Nigeria in second place in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau occupy the top position with six points.