Iwobi dreams of World Cup ticket for Super Eagles

Posted : 05 January 2025

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their poor start to the qualifiers.

The three-time African champions are winless in four Group C matches against Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. They currently sit four points behind table-toppers Rwanda, putting their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

Nigeria’s slow start has seen them drop to 44th in the latest FIFA rankings and fifth in Africa, raising concerns among fans. However, Iwobi insists that the Super Eagles remain determined to secure their spot at the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

“Everyone wants to experience the World Cup — it’s the biggest competition in the world,” Iwobi said in an interview with BBC Sport Africa.

“We know it’s not going to be easy because every team in Africa wants to qualify. It’s basically like going to war every game, but we’ll put up a fight. We’re all hungry and motivated.”

Nigeria have already booked their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, but their qualifying campaign raised eyebrows after they managed just 11 points from a group that included Benin, Rwanda, and Libya, losing their last game at home to Rwanda.

Fans have since called for a competent coach to lead the team, which is currently without a coach, but Iwobi believes the players must take responsibility on the pitch.

“We’ll never use [the coaching situation] as an excuse because we can only hold ourselves accountable as players,” he said. “No matter what manager comes in, it’s down to us to give 100%.

“We’ve got the quality. We all play in high-level leagues across Europe. We have to take accountability and get the points we need to qualify.”

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has earned 89 caps for Nigeria, is determined to help the Super Eagles return to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“We have the players to make it happen,” he said. “We’re not scared of anyone. We know what’s at stake, and we’ll do everything to make sure we qualify.”

The Super Eagles will have a chance to revive their World Cup hopes when they take on group leaders Rwanda in a crucial qualifier on March 17.

Iwobi dreams of World Cup ticket for Super Eagles

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