The boys are now ready - Victor Ikpeba confident Super Eagles will pick 2026 World Cup ticket

Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba has expressed strong belief in Nigeria’s chances of reviving their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with victories over Rwanda and South Africa.

Coach Eric Chelle’s side has struggled in the Group C qualification series, securing just one win in six matches and comfortably trailing group leaders South Africa.

The Super Eagles are currently fourth in their group with seven points, while South Africa leads the pack with 13 points.

Nigeria will host Rwanda on Saturday, 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa four days later.

These matches are pivotal, considering the CAF qualification format, where group winners qualify directly and the best runners-up may advance to the playoffs.

Ikpeba, who enjoyed a celebrated career including a spell at Monaco, urged the Super Eagles to rise to the occasion and correct course.

“There’s pride, determination and honour to play for your country, I believe the boys are now ready and determined to do the job against Rwanda and South Africa,” he told SuperSport.

He added a call for accountability, “The boys have let down the country, they ought to take responsibility… We can’t dwell on the past… We can do it, but we have to fight for it, we have to earn it.”

In the CAF’s revamped World Cup qualifying format, only the nine group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the best runners-up enter a secondary playoff stage.