Some Super Eagles players wouldn’t make squad in my era-Ikepba

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba believes some current Super Eagles players would not have made the squad during his playing days.

Ikpeba was part of the golden era of Nigerian football in the 1990s, featuring in the squad that won the 1994 AFCON and reached the round of 16 at the USA ’94 World Cup. 

The former AS Monaco forward also scored the only goal in Nigeria’s 1-0 win against Bulgaria at the 1998 World Cup and played a key role in the country’s historic football gold medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Speaking on the Bet9ja Home Turf, Ikpeba highlighted the difference in quality between his era and the present crop of players, insisting that football in his time required more passion, talent, and quality.

“In my era, not everyone was allowed to play football. If you had to play, you needed talent, passion, and quality. Now, most parents want their kids to play football because there is money. That has changed.”

He added: “The leagues we had in the ‘80s and ‘90s were very competitive, and the club players were very good. To be selected for the Green Eagles or Super Eagles, you had to be outstanding. Quality-wise and talent-wise, I think we had more in my era than this one.

“I don’t think some of these guys can play in my era, and that’s the truth. The skills, quality, and fight were different. Can these guys even play in Lagos?”