Nigeria International and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has sent a strong message to Nigeria’s Group C rivals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, declaring that the Super Eagles are ready for a fierce battle to secure their place in the tournament, MySportDab Reports.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and are determined to avoid a similar setback.
However, their qualification campaign has been far from ideal, with only four points from their first four matches, leaving them trailing group leaders Rwanda by four points.
Ahead of their crucial upcoming fixtures, Iwobi has emphasized the team’s hunger and determination to turn their fortunes around.
“Everyone wants to experience the World Cup — it’s the best and biggest competition in the world,” Iwobi told the BBC. “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 and see what we can do. We’re all hungry and motivated.”
Nigeria faces a must-win double-header in March, starting with an away clash against Rwanda in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The qualifiers will then take a break before resuming in late summer with crucial fixtures against South Africa, Lesotho, and Benin, as well as a return leg against Rwanda.
With only the group winners earning an automatic spot in the World Cup, the Super Eagles must improve significantly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty over Nigeria’s head coach position, Iwobi remains confident in the squad’s ability to deliver.
“We’ll never use it as an excuse because we can only hold ourselves accountable as players,” Iwobi said. “No matter what manager comes in, it’s down to us to give 100%. We have quality, we play in top leagues across Europe, and we must take responsibility to secure qualification.”
Meanwhile, NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen, who is serving as caretaker coach, has urged the federation to accelerate the appointment of a permanent head coach ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
