Former international, Victor Ikpeba says it is important for the Super Eagles to grab the chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the playoffs.

Eric Chelle’s side failed to secure automatic qualification to the mundial despite a convincing 4-0 home victory over Benin Republic last week.

The three-time African champions, however, did enough to earn a place in the playoffs having finished second in Group C behind the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

They will square up with the Panthers of Gabon in an all West African affair in the semi-final of the playoffs in Morocco next month.

The winner will face either Cameroon or Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.

Ikpeba reckoned it is important for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup

“We can qualify for the World Cup, it is another chance for them to play at the World Cup,” Ikpeba said on Monday Night Football on Supersport TV.

“They have a second lifeline, they have to grab it.”

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Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala and Folashade Ijamilusi are among the first set of players to arrive at the team’s camp in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying match against the Amazons of Benin Republic.

Six other players have also reported to the camp at the Hotel Sarakawa in Lomé, including new invitee Joy Omewa, alongside Miracle Usani, Taiwo Afolabi, Anderline Mgbechi, Blessing Illivieda, and Kafayat Mafisere.

Head coach Justine Madugu is still awaiting the arrival of 13 more players to complete the squad. The team is scheduled to hold its first training session later tonight.

The first leg of the qualifier will be hosted by Benin at the Stade Kegue in Lomé on Thursday, with the reverse fixture slated for the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, next week Tuesday.

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Nigerian-born heavyweight boxer Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh has issued a direct challenge to former unified world champion Anthony Joshua, proposing a bout to take place in Nigeria.

Ibeh, who has been on an impressive run of 11 consecutive wins since a 2021 loss to Jared Anderson, most recently secured a three-round knockout victory over former world title challenger Gerald Washington.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ibeh stated that Joshua would be the ideal opponent for him to make a major statement.

“We need the right platform and the right opponent to make a statement with and there’d be no better one than AJ,” Ibeh told Sky Sports.

“That would be definitely a dream come true,” Ibeh said. “That would be amazing.”

“It doesn’t matter where it is, I’m ready. “Anywhere. even in Nigeria.. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the UK. I would love to dance with him in the O2 Arena.

“I would definitely stop him, no questions about that, it’s going to come down to how soon or how quickly it goes.”

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