Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi prepare in warm-up ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. [Photo Credit/ Super Eagles on X].
Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has broken his silence after the Nigerian Football team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Arsenal Hale End Graduate made his 90th appearance in the green and white colours of Nigeria against Gabon, the World Cup play-offs semi-final.
In that game, the Super Eagles secured a 4-1 win, albeit three of the goals from Eric Chelle’s men came in extra time.
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Against DR Congo, Iwobi started on the left, but didn’t have the best outing and was subbed off in the 77th minute with Tolu Arokodare coming on in his place.
Nigeria went into extra time in a defensive shape against DR Congo, and barely offered anything in attack till the end of the game.
The penalty shootout went DR Congo’s way despite Stanley Nwabali denying Sebastien Desabre’s side twice from twelve yards.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all scuffed their chances from twelve yards, ultimately ending Nigeria’s dream of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Alex Iwobi reacts to Nigeria’s thwarted World Cup dreams
The Fulham midfielder is one of the few players in Nigeria’s current squad to have played at a World Cup, alongside William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, and Chidozie Awaziem.
However, their experience couldn’t inspire the new boys to achieve the same feat. The 29-year-old has now counted his losses and moved on, penning a message on his Instagram story.
“You win some, you lose some,” the former Everton star wrote.
“Not every dream becomes a reality. Life doesn’t stop; we use the experience to strive and push on to be better.
“Proud of my brothers!”
Iwobi’s focus is now turned to Fulham’s weekend game against AFC Sunderland on Saturday at Craven Cottage.