Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has implored Nigerians to exercise patience and maintain faith in the team’s determination to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in USA/Canada/Mexico.
Iwobi and his fellow teammates have encountered a challenging start in the African qualifying series, amassing two points in their initial two matches.
Last week, they experienced an unremarkable 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo, followed by another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at their adopted ground in Rwanda on Sunday.
After Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the lackluster performance in the ongoing series, concerns are growing among Nigerians about the team’s chances for the 2026 World Cup.
In the wake of criticism from disappointed fans following the draw against Zimbabwe, Iwobi earnestly urged for patience, acknowledging the team’s desire to improve.
He stated, “It’s disappointing, but we will push and fight to the end to ensure qualification. We shouldn’t use travel as an excuse, and we have quality on the side.”
Addressing the coach’s remarks about the extensive travel, Iwobi emphasized the need for improvement, recognizing the disparity in the team’s performance between the first and second halves of the matches.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their next World Cup qualifying game against South Africa in June 2024, Iwobi remains optimistic about the team’s potential.
Before that, the squad will compete in the 2023 AFCON from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast, offering an opportunity to refine their strategies and build momentum for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Iwobi concluded, “It’s just the beginning, and I’ll urge the Nigerian fans to stick by us because we will continue to fight.”
