Former international, Victor Ikpeba has warned the Super Eagles that they must be at their best when they square up against South Africa and Benin in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.
The Super Eagles have endured a poor start to the qualifying series, drawing their opening two games against minnows Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Finidi George’s side sits in third position in Group C with two points while main rivals South Africa are second with three points.
Ikpeba, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, technical committee reckoned that the Super Eagles are condemned to win their next two games, especially against South Africa.
“The game against South Africa is the game of our lives,” declared Ikpeba on Supersports Monday Night Football.
“Finidi has the players having only recently reached the final of the AFCON, which was one of the toughest ever.
“The boys know what is at stake.
“They have to be focused and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure they beat South Africa.
“It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”
The Super Eagles will entertain South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, June 7.
The three-time African champions will face Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan three days later.
