Former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba has hit out on Wilfred Ndidi following the Super Eagles’ 4-3 penalty defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday.
Ikpeba noted that it was Ndidi that laid the ball on the platter for Mechak Elia to equalise for DR Congo despite having the opportunity to control it or put it out for goal kick.
NEWSUNPLUG reported that the Super Eagles took an early lead in the first half after Frank Onyeka’s shot was deflected in.
But DR Congo equalized through Elia as the match ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
The Leopards controlled much of the game and beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties as the likes of Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks.
“Wilfred Ndidi was actually the one that laid it on the platter for Mechak Elia. And that’s the thing we are talking about. That’s why some people criticize him most of the time, for probably being slow on decision making.
“Maybe anything could have happened. So if someone like Benjamin Freddy was there, maybe he would have controlled that ball very well for himself and maybe made the clearance and all of that. These things happen in football.”
By defeating Nigeria, DR Congo now clinches the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs taking place in March 2026.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles could redeem their image and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians when the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2026 kicks off in Morocco.