Victor Nosa Ikpeba (born 1973) is a retired Nigerian footballer who won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997. He played for AS Monaco in France and Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Ikpeba was a key member of Nigeria's 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning team and 1996 Olympic gold medal squad. His dribbling skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability earned him the nickname "Prince of Monaco." Ikpeba remains one of Nigeria's most technically gifted footballers.


PRINCE OF MONACO:
Victor Ikpeba’s elegance, pace, and finishing prowess made him a star for AS Monaco under Arsène Wenger. He won the 1997 African Footballer of the Year after netting 20 Ligue 1 goals.

TOURNAMENT HERO:
Ikpeba was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory, 1996 Olympic gold, and two World Cups (1994, 1998). His brace against Algeria in AFCON qualifiers and composed penalties under pressure defined his clutch reputation.

POST-CAREER CONTRIBUTION:
He serves as CAF technical committee member, SuperSport analyst, and mentor for NPFL forwards. Ikpeba advocates for athlete education, financial planning, and improved domestic league infrastructure.

GIVING BACK:
Through Victor Ikpeba Foundation he supports STEM scholarships, football clinics, and widows’ empowerment programmes in Edo State, honouring his late wife Atinuke’s humanitarian spirit.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 12 June 1973 in Benin City, Edo State.
- Clubs: Bendel Insurance, AS Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Al-Ittihad.
- Honours: Ligue 1 champion (1997), UEFA Champions League runner-up (1997).
- Nickname origin: dazzling form at Monaco earned him “Prince of Monaco.”