Nigeria vs South Africa, Uganda: Ikpeba reacts to Mikel’s exclusion, speaks on Victor Moses

Former Nigerian striker, Victor Ikpeba has said that the Super Eagles can do without captain, John Mikel Obi and Chelsea winger, Victor Moses, in next month’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa and a friendly against Uganda three days later.

Recall that Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr didn’t include Mikel in his 23-man squad that will face South Africa and Uganda, while Moses retired from Super Eagles few months ago.

Ikpeba, however, said it was important for the rest of the Eagles’ players to understand that they can win games without Mikel and Moses in the squad.

“For critics of Gernot Rohr there are two home based players for the Super Eagles side for South Africa game,” Ikpeba told SuperSport.

”Mikel does not make the squad but I understand Rohr on Mikel’s issue.

”It’s good for the players to know that they can do without Mikel and Victor Moses. Mikel must be proud of these lads if after this game they earn three points.

“I don’t buy the issue that Rohr has been out under pressure. This is the time to prepare your squad for AFCON.

“Mikel is experienced but not the future of the Super Eagles. The team has been brilliant without him or our best players,” the one-time AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund star stressed.

Ikpeba added: “Players in Enyimba, Rangers, Kano ought to be in the team but surprisingly we have a player from Ifeanyi Ubah FC who have not been played for a long time.

“The home based boy Adeleye is a surprise invitation, but deserves it. Samuel Chukwueze is lightening up the La Liga at Villarreal so it’s good to see our best players getting invitations.”