Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has stated that the Super Eagles’ game against Guinea-Bissau could have turned out differently if the duo of George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor had started the game.

The Wild Dogs thumped the Super Eagles 3-0 at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, to claim top spot in Group L.

Franculino Djú gave the Djurtus the lead on the quarter-hour mark to ensure that the home side went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.

Mama Baldé scored after the break to give the home side a two-goal cushion before Álvaro Djaló sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Speaking in his post-match reaction, Ikpeba stated that the trio of Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi, who started the game, did not make any meaningful impact.

“The likes of Akor, Ademola, [and] Awoniyi cannot step up. The young George didn’t start the game. I thought he could have started,” Ikpeba said.

“I thought Moses Usor should have started the game. That fighting spirit that we are wearing the green and whites should be there in their minds.”

WDN