Victor Ikpeba, a former Super Eagles forward, believes it's time for a third African nation to win gold in men's football.
Since the introduction of men's football at the Olympics in 1908 in London, only two African nations have secured gold at this prestigious event.
Nigeria made history as the first African country to clinch gold, achieving this remarkable feat in 1996 at Atlanta. Following suit, four years later, Cameroon replicated their neighbor's success by claiming gold in Sydney.
Ikpeba was part of the talented Nigerian team that overcame formidable challenges to secure Africa's inaugural football gold medal at the Olympics nearly three decades ago. Jay-Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amunike, Mobi Oparaku, Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West and Celestine Babayaro were part of that Nigerian team.
Since Cameroon's triumph in 2000, Africa has not secured gold in men's football at the Olympics. The closest Africa came in recent times was Nigeria winning the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Ikpeba's call: Africa's unyielding quest for Olympics gold
Speaking to cafonline.com, Ikpeba recounted the echoes of past triumphs and the hunger for future success.
“Yes, yes and yes!'”echoes the sentiment of confidence that now pervades. “We no longer have any complexes. But, the boys must believe strongly in it and never give up,” asserts Ikpeba.
“It is Cameroon and us, it is time to have a third nation.” With conviction, he adds, “One thing is certain: they will be supported. There are many Moroccans and Malians in France, it is an asset that they can use. This competition in France will be fantastic, I am firmly convinced of it.”
Egypt, Mali, and Morocco are set to represent Africa in the men's football competition in Paris this summer.
Morocco has been placed in Group B and will face Argentina, Ukraine, and a yet-to-be-named Asian nation.
Egypt is in Group C and has Spain, the Dominican Republic, and a yet-to-be-named Asian nation as its opponents.
Mali, on the other hand, is placed in Group D with Paraguay, Israel, and a yet-to-be-named Asian nation as their opponents.
Nigeria's gold: Atlanta 1996 Olympics triumph
Nigeria were placed in Group and were pitched against Brazil, Hungary and Japan. Nigeria placed second in their group by defeating Japan and Hungary and endured their only loss to Brazil.
Nigeria made it to the quarterfinals, beating Mexico 2-0. Though losing to Brazil earlier in the tournament, Nigeria beat the then four-time World Cup-winning nation that fielded Bebeto, Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo and Ronaldo 4-3 in the semi-final, before pulling off a historic 3-2 win in the final over an Argentina team that featured Hernan Crespo and Claudio Lopez.
Ikpeba's only goal in the tournament came in their semi-finals clash against Brazil.
What you need to know about Ikpeba
Ikpeba's football journey began when he was scouted by Belgian club RFC Liège during the 1989 FIFA U-17 World Championship, where he later joined with teammate Sunday Oliseh. After
impressing in Belgium with 17 goals in the 1992–93 season, Ikpeba was signed by AS Monaco, then managed by Arsène Wenger.
Despite a challenging start, he flourished after the 1996 Olympics, contributing 13 league goals to Monaco's title win and finishing as the second-top scorer in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup.
His outstanding performances earned him the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997. He came close to joining Italian club Reggina but was prevented by his wife, who preferred to stay in Monaco.
During his time at Monaco, Ikpeba was part of the squad that famously eliminated Manchester United from the Champions League in 1998.
However, his move to Borussia Dortmund in 1999 for £4.8m didn't go as planned. He struggled to adapt to the Bundesliga, scoring only two goals in his first season and falling out with the coach in the second season.
A loan move to Real Betis saw little success due to fitness and performance issues.
After a brief stint in Libya with Al-Ittihad, where he left over financial disputes, Ikpeba returned to Belgium with Charleroi.
He then had a near move to SC Freiburg in Germany, which fell through due to passport issues.
Following a short spell with Al-Sadd in Qatar, Ikpeba retired from professional football after a career filled with highs and lows.
He was a member of the Super Eagles team at the FIFA World Cups in 1994, where he played, and in 1998, where he scored the lone goal against Bulgaria in the second game. Ikpeba also played a pivotal role in winning the 1994 African Nations Cup.
He made 31 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored seven goals within the period.
