Nigeria's World Cup Hopes Revived by Iwobi and Team
Alex Iwobi has declared that Nigeria's quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been "resurrected from the dead" after a dismal start that saw the Super Eagles secure only three points from their first four qualifying matches.
The campaign, which included home draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, three different coaches, and injuries to star striker Victor Osimhen, ultimately found a glimmer of hope thanks to a last-minute goal in their final group match against Benin.
This crucial strike by Brentford's Frank Onyeka led to a 4-0 victory, allowing Nigeria to progress to the African play-offs as runners-up in Group C on goal difference.
However, Nigeria faces a formidable challenge on Thursday as they prepare to confront Iwobi's former Arsenal teammate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, when they meet Gabon in their play-off semi-final at 16:00 GMT in Morocco.
"He’s getting older, but you wouldn’t think so. He still has a youthful spirit," Iwobi told BBC Sport Africa while discussing the 36-year-old Gabon captain.
"I’m not sure how we’re going to contain him."
Aubameyang has already netted seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in a single match against The Gambia, as Gabon finished just one point behind group holders Ivory Coast.
The Marseille striker will be driven by the ambition to lead his nation to the World Cup for the first time.
Iwobi, who played alongside Aubameyang during their time at Arsenal in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, remarked, "We both share the same goal and respect that, but he’s also a wonderful person off the pitch. He was like a big brother to me, always checking in, sharing jokes, and ensuring I felt comfortable. On the pitch, he’d encourage me to 'just express yourself, be you.' His joy and charisma are infectious; he always plays with a smile."
Challenging Path to the 2026 World Cup
After finishing second to South Africa in Group C, which would have ensured automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Nigeria now faces a challenging road to reach the finals.
To advance, they must defeat Gabon and then overcome the winner of Thursday’s other play-off match between Cameroon and DR Congo at 19:00 GMT, leading to an intercontinental qualifier in March.
If Nigeria succeeds in reaching that stage, their world ranking should position them for a match against a team from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the Concacaf region. The victors will secure a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iwobi is eager to return to the global stage. "We’re giving ourselves another chance to qualify for the World Cup, and the confidence is high," said the 29-year-old. "I’ve experienced it [in Russia 2018], and I would love to do so again. We need to focus on Gabon first, and I’m sure he [Aubameyang] is also eager to make it to the World Cup."
Praise for Coach Eric Chelle
The individual credited with revitalizing Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations is Eric Chelle. The Malian became the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles when appointed in January.
Under his guidance, the team remains unbeaten in six competitive matches, recording four wins and two draws. Iwobi has praised the 48-year-old for fostering a positive atmosphere within the squad. "Our manager consistently reminds us that we can overcome any challenge," explained the Fulham midfielder. "He’s a remarkable person. We see him not just as a manager but as a big brother who has created a strong bond among us. He’s passionate on the sidelines and fights for us, which motivates us to play not just for Nigeria but for him as well."
Iwobi also addressed fans who have expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s qualifying campaign thus far. "It wasn’t the best start," he acknowledged. "But they need to understand that we all share the same goal. I get their disappointment because we too are frustrated about not securing comfortable wins against teams we should beat. We believe that if we give our all, we can triumph over any opponent. However, it’s one thing to say it; we have to prove it on the pitch."
*Alex Iwobi was speaking to BBC Sport Africa at the Best of Africa Awards