Former Super Eagles Winger Victor Ikpeba has tipped Nigeria to record an impressive outing when it meets Brazil in the much touted international friendly game in Singapore in October despite the South American’s array of stars.
Ikpeba gave the optimism at the conclusion of the 33rd Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) organised financial institution’s football competition, held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki.
Ikpeba, a Member of the Golden Eaglets 1989 and Olympic Games 1996–gold winning team, said that the match would serve as a good test for the Eagles AFCON 2021 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho in November.
“The game against Brazil will be a very good test for the young Eagles team coming on the heels of their impressive outing against Ukraine in a recent friendly game.
“This type of friendly match would afford the players enough playing time against Benin Republic and Lesotho in the AFCON 2021 qualifiers.
“Every country wants to play Brazil likewise Nigeria due to our pedigree in the game and I am looking forward to the match.
The former African Footballer of the Year nicknamed the Prince of Monaco, due to his exploits with the french team, commended the CBN for organising the financial institution’s competition and called for its sustenance.
“The competition is getting bigger and better and I know my colleagues have been part of its promotion.
“It should not be all about counting money for these financial institutions but the use of football as a means of interaction among them and deepening sporting values.
“I commend the CBN and other financial institutions involved for sustaining the competition for 33 years but urge it to ensure more publicity for the competition.
The former Standard Liege of Belgium player and AFCON 1994 winner, noted that he was not only involved in branding for corporate organisations and others such as Bet.Naija but deeply involved in promoting youth football being a product of such system.
“I have been into grassroots football development since I quit active football and we do not make noise of it or sing our praises on such involvement.
“We have a programme in Super Sports organisation that has taken me to various parts of the country to inspire young footballers on the importance of combining football and other sports with education.
