Ikpeba Kicks Against Ighalo’s Return To Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba, has kicked against the return of Saudi Arabia striker, Odion Ighalo, to the Super Eagles squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde respectively.

Ikpeba, who is fondly called “the prince of Monaco” for his exploits in the French side, disclosed this on Tuesday on Super Sports programme as he queried the decision of Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to invite Ighalo to the squad.

It could be recalled that Ighalo voluntarily quit international football after assisting the Super Eagles to clinch a bronze medal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the Third-Place match.

However, Ighalo, since his departure, has continued to be in top form for his respective clubs. This has informed the decision of the Nigerian Football Federation and Super Eagles coach,Gernot Rohr, to recall the former Manchester United striker into the team.

This development has continued to raise eyebrows as many are of the view that youngsters like Paul Onachu and Victor Osimhen and others should be given a chance as Ighalo has passed his prime.

Joining the fray, Ikpeba, stated that he is not happy with the invitation of Ighalo to the team but he believed Ighalo will get the necessary services from Alex Iwobi.

He said: “I don’t really like the invitation of Ighalo to the Super Eagles. I want to believe that the coach knows why they have recalled him to the team even when he has not given any response so far.

“Well, it could be a mind games. However, the return of Alex Iwobi to the Super Eagles will provide the necessary assist for him.”