Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba, has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle, praising him for instilling what he described as a “true African mentality” in the national team.

Ikpeba, who starred for AS Monaco during his playing days, however, did not hold back his criticism of some foreign-born players in the current squad. He argued that many of them lack the understanding of what it truly means to play on African soil, especially under the tough conditions of World Cup qualifiers.

“This new manager [Eric Chelle] has decided to bring something different to the Super Eagles — more of an African mentality,” Ikpeba said on Sportsblog247.com with Atanga Emmanuel. “Some of these players born abroad don’t really understand what it takes to play in Africa, but he’s doing a good job.”

His remarks come ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Among the foreign-born Super Eagles players called up for the September international break are Felix Agu, Calvin Bassey, Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and William Troost-Ekong.

Ikpeba’s comments have added to the growing debate around the balance between foreign-born stars and homegrown talent in the national team as Nigeria continues its quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.