Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has backed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, despite the team failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria struggled during their World Cup qualifiers, with their chances of playing in the tournament now in jeopardy.

The Malian took over the team midway through the qualifiers but was unable to repair the damage already made by the former coach.

Despite this, Ikpeba has claimed that he is the right man to lead the team for the African Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ikpeba backs Chelle

Ikpeba, who appeared on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football via Complete Sports, commended Chelle’s influence since she took over in March.

“Chelle is doing a good job and I believe we wouldn’t be in this situation if he had started the qualifiers with the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba said.

In seven games, Chelle has led the Super Eagles to an undefeated record with four victories and three draws. With two games remaining, Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, behind South Africa and Benin.

The Super Eagles’ chances of making it to the tournament are now in jeopardy due to their dismal start in the first four games.

However, Chelle’s team has already guaranteed a spot at the AFCON in December, the qualification was obtained late last year under the temporary manager Augustine Eguavoen.

There have been increasing calls for Chelle to be fired if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup, but Ikpeba thinks it would be too soon.

“He will create competition for places in the squad and make use of the talented players we have abroad,” Ikpeba argued.

“He hasn’t dismissed any player, but he is creating an environment for healthy competition by giving opportunities to different players to fight for a place.”