Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba has called on the Nigerian national team to make the most of their playoff opportunity and secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in their final Group C match in Uyo, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the tournament.

However, the win was enough to earn them a place in the playoff round, where they will face the Panthers of Gabon in the semifinals at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue in Morocco on November 13.

The other semifinal fixture will see Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo, with both matches determining who advances to the final qualification stage for Africa’s slots at the World Cup.

Speaking on Monday Night Football on SuperSport TV, Ikpeba emphasized the importance of determination and focus as the team prepares for the crucial fixtures.

“We can qualify for the World Cup — this is another chance for the team to prove themselves,” Ikpeba said. “They’ve been given a second lifeline, and they have to grab it. The fight isn’t over; they just need to keep the same energy and discipline they showed against Lesotho and Benin.”

Ikpeba praised the team’s performance in their last outing, noting how the early goal against Benin helped settle nerves and allowed the players to dominate confidently.

“Against Benin, they were ruthless,” he added. “That early goal gave them composure, and from there, they controlled the game completely. If they can replicate that same hunger and sharpness, there’s no reason Nigeria can’t beat both Gabon and Cameroon in the playoffs.”

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, are aiming to make their seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Their last outing at the tournament was in Russia 2018, after which they narrowly missed qualification for Qatar 2022.