Former Nigerian striker, Victor Ikpeba has encouraged the Super Eagles to play very well in the first half in their 2nd Leg 2019 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying clash against Libya on Tuesday following their 4-0 victory over the North Africans at the weekend.
The 1997 African Footballer of the Year heaped praise on striker Odion Ighalo and midfielder Alex Iwobi following their performances in the first leg against Libya.
“We need to have a good 45 minutes. The team need to start well because they didn’t have a good first half on Saturday,” Ikpeba told Supersport.
“It will not be an easy game in Tunisia but they (Super Eagles) will be on track to qualifying for the AFCON 2019 in Cameroon.
“The players should not think we have landed, they can’t go into that game with that mentality. They have to get at least a draw.”
He added, “We have to criticize our players constructively. Football is like the stock market.
“We must kudos to Rohr. Some other coaches would have dropped him. Ighalo has reacted positively with that hat trick.
“The confidence was there, his second goal was particularly great. Apart from his goals, the team work was good. He’s not the new Rashidi Yekini but has shown in this game that you can count on him.
“Iwobi is not the new Jay Jay just yet. He’s a good passer of the ball, we need players like him to pick up the balls and drive the team forward, but no, he’s not the new Jay Jay Okocha (Iwobi’s uncle).
“Iwobi will be key in this game but overall the team need to defend and attack as a team because the Libyans can hurt us. The 4-0 score did not truly mean the Libyans are weak.”
The game will take place at the Stade Taïeb Mhiri, the home ground of Tunisia Premier League side, CS Sfaxien.
Kick-off is at 7pm Nigerian time.
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