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Former international Victor Ikpeba has encouraged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to maintain trust in the squad that convincingly defeated the Cheetahs of Benin 4-0 in Uyo last month.
This impressive victory secured the Super Eagles a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Éric Chelle’s team is set to face the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final of the playoffs at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat next Thursday.
Ikpeba emphasized the importance of the Malian coach retaining the lineup that triumphed over Benin.
“You don’t change a winning team,” Ikpeba stated in an interview with SuperSport.
“This is a second opportunity for us to qualify for the World Cup.
“We must get it right this time, especially since we failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.”
FAQs
Why is it important to keep the same team?
Keeping the same team is crucial because it fosters familiarity and cohesion among players, which can lead to better performance in critical matches.
What does this victory mean for the Super Eagles?
This victory signifies a significant step towards qualifying for the World Cup, giving the team renewed hope and motivation.



