Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi believes it would be a huge disappointment if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially given the calibre of players in Nigeria’s squad.

Having missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Iwobi insists this generation has what it takes to make things right and return the team to football’s biggest stage, Footballrover reports.

Super Eagles seek redemption after narrow World Cup escape

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been anything but straightforward. Despite boasting top European-based stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles struggled for both goals and consistency throughout the group stage.

Their campaign was rescued late on when Frank Onyeka’s dramatic stoppage-time strike for Eric Chelle’s men secured one of the final playoff spots as one of the best second-placed teams.

That goal not only kept Nigeria’s hopes alive but also reignited belief among fans who feared another heartbreak.

Iwobi, a mainstay in the midfield, featured in all ten qualifying games — proving his reliability and influence in Chelle’s system.

Iwobi confident Super Eagles can compete with the best

As Nigeria prepares for a decisive playoff clash with Gabon’s Panthers, Iwobi remains confident the Super Eagles can rise to the challenge.

Speaking to CNN, the former Arsenal man emphasised the team’s collective strength and winning mentality.

“We’ve managed to rescue ourselves from the dead,” Iwobi said. “We know we have the players and abilities to compete against any country in the world. We have last year’s African best player in Lookman and the year before that in Osimhen. It’ll be a shame if we don’t make it, but we have a lot of confidence. We just have to prove it to ourselves.”

For Iwobi, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, qualifying for the next edition is not just about pride but about restoring the Super Eagles’ place among football’s elite.

With the playoff just days away, Chelle’s men know that anything less than victory will undo the hard work that brought them this far.

The Eagles have the firepower, depth, and desire—now, it’s time to deliver when it matters most.

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Last Updated on November 1, 2025 12:24 pm by footballrover