Ikhana urges Super Eagles to use World Cup setback as AFCON motivation

Former Nigeria defender Kadiri Ikhana has called on the Super Eagles to draw motivation from their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Nigeria face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September 2026, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on 29 September.

Ikhana, now 74 and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kadiri Ikhana Football Academy (KIFA), Auchinleck, Edo State, believes Nigeria have more than enough quality to overcome Madagascar but expects a tougher contest against Guinea-Bissau.

“When you look at the quality of players available to the Super Eagles coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, you would come to the instant conclusion that the Super Eagles will stroll over Madagascar on Friday,” Ikhana told Completesports.com on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Enyimba manager, who led the club to become the first Nigerian side to win the CAF Champions League in 2003, said the team must also use the changes taking place in Nigerian football to strengthen their resolve.

“But where I have some concerns is the next game away to Guinea-Bissau on 29 September in Bissau,” he said.

“If you ask me, I will say the Super Eagles should look back to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals absence, and the reforms or what I can call ‘revolution’ currently going on in Nigerian football, as motivation.”

‘All eyes are on them’

Nigeria missed out on the 2026 World Cup finals, while reforms are continuing across the country’s football structure. Ikhana said the Super Eagles must demonstrate that they have learned from recent events.

“They should understand that all eyes are on them in this new beginning,” he added. “Everyone wants to see what lesson they have learnt from the events of the past months and what is still going on. This is a moment of test for them.”

The three-time African champions have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

Ikhana, who was named 2003 CAF Coach of the Year, said the players could not afford to approach the qualifying campaign without full concentration.

“This is the time for them to show commitment, determination and focus. They cannot afford to slip up this time around,” he said.

“I have confidence they can overcome Madagascar. But that match against Guinea-Bissau, I think, will be a bit difficult.”

Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980 in Lagos, 1994 in Tunisia and 2013 in South Africa.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027, with 24 teams scheduled to take part.