'Aina is a utility defender' - Ikpeba defends Chelle's team selection v Zimbabwe, says Osimhen was tired

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has weighed in on the Super Eagles' team selection and substitutions following their recent 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe, defending the decisions made by manager Eric Chelle.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 74th minute but his goal was not enough as Tawanda Chirewa bagged an equalizer, slotting past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from an acute angle in stoppage time.

Eric Chelle has been widely criticized by fans and pundits for deploying three of his players outside their natural positions during the disappointing draw with the Warriors.

Predominantly a right back for club and country, Ola Aina slotted in at left back, with forward Ademola Lookman taking up a central role despite being a winger by trade and Samuel Chukwueze playing in a midfield position.

Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba supported the coach's decision to retain the same starting lineup that did so well against Rwanda, four days before the match versus the Warriors. 

"Most managers stick with the winning team so he decided to start with the same winning team which is not wrong," Ikepba said.

"We made changes against Rwanda, those players that came in didn't change anything from the game, so managers are there to make changes."

One of the major talking points was Victor Osimhen's condition as the Galatasaray striker was substituted three minutes before the end of the game, with Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface replacing him.

Ikpeba underlined that Aina's left-back role was not an issue, stressing his versatility in defense.

"Victor Osimhen was tired; he's not a machine. He gives his all, runs a lot, and shouldn't return to his club injured. The other players that came in for him should go in there and step up.

"It has nothing to do with Aina playing on the left flank. Aina is a utility defender; he plays on both the right and left, so it's nothing new. The manager has to make a decision, and it has nothing to do with the players taken out.

"We had enough chances to beat Zimbabwe, we didn't take the chances and that's the point."

After six games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles are fourth in the provisional standings with seven points, six less than table toppers South Africa. 

Nigeria could be handed a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the World Cup following confirmation that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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