Victor Ikpeba Blames Super Eagles Defenders for 3-0 Defeat to Guinea-Bissau

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has defended Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ikpeba rejected criticism directed at Nwabali following the heavy defeat, arguing that the goalkeeper should not carry the blame for the goals Nigeria conceded during the match.

The former Super Eagles striker instead pointed to defensive mistakes, particularly in the build-up to Guinea-Bissau’s second goal. He said the defenders failed to deal with the situation properly and should take responsibility for the lapse.

Guinea-Bissau took control of the match after Franculino opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Nigeria struggled to respond as the Djurtus maintained their advantage and created further opportunities.
Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s lead midway through the second half, leaving the Super Eagles facing an uphill battle to get back into the contest.

Nigeria’s difficult night was completed in stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló scored in the fifth minute of added time to seal a 3-0 victory for Guinea-Bissau.
The result leaves Nigeria with questions to answer about their defensive organisation and overall performance in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Ikpeba’s comments have shifted attention away from Nwabali and towards the defenders responsible for preventing the goals.