World Cup 2026: “Chelle must consider more home based players ” – Ikpeba

Former Nigeria forward, Victor Ikpeba has offered advice to Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle over the selection of more home based players for the next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to the former AS Monaco attacker, players from the Nigeria Professional Football League [NPFL] possess the wherewithal to help qualify the Super for the World Cup to be co-hosted between Canada, USA and Mexico.

Ikpeba made the call during the final of the President Federation Cup held in Lagos on Saturday, June 28.

“I am a product of Nigeria domestic football. How we develop our talents is very important. The coaching, awareness, and some of the boys will be ready to learn,” Ikpeba told allnigeriasoccer.

“The talents are there. I just want to say to our coaches and administrators we have to continue to encourage our boys, give them the tools to get to the next level.”

Ikpeba, a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation of the 1990s, encouraged local players to be confident and embrace learning, citing his own journey as an example.

“I was ready to learn 30 or 40 years ago. Most of the players that became big household names played in our domestic league.

“It is for the players to believe and know that to get to the national team is competitive. You have to show you’re better than those who are there.”

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup continues in September with a double-header against South Africa and Lesotho.

The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C with only seven points from six matches—six behind table-toppers South Africa—leaving their qualification hopes in jeopardy.