The Super Eagles of Nigeria face a challenging path in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after securing just two points in their initial matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, both ending in 1-1 draws, MySportDab Reports.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi, undeterred by the results, assures fans that the team will persist in their pursuit of qualification.
Expressing disappointment after the latest 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe on November 19 at Huye Stadium, Iwobi acknowledged the high expectations associated with the Nigerian squad. Despite the wealth of talent, he emphasized the need for more points and goals, asserting, “We won’t dwell on this; we’ll keep fighting till the very end to make sure we qualify.”
Iwobi addressed the challenging logistics faced by the team, with extensive travel impacting their performance. Head Coach Jose Peseiro noted the substantial travel, involving a four-hour flight followed by a three-hour coach journey after the match against Lesotho.
However, Iwobi emphasized that, as players, they should not use it as an excuse and remain focused on their ultimate goal.
Reflecting on the match against Zimbabwe, Iwobi highlighted the opposition’s time-wasting tactics, which he believed disrupted the Super Eagles’ tempo.
Despite crediting Zimbabwe as a formidable opponent, Iwobi expressed confidence in the Nigerian squad’s capabilities, stating, “I feel like with the players we have, we should have done much better.”
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles gear up for a crucial match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing qualifiers in 2024. While attention remains on the World Cup qualification journey, the focus will soon shift to the imminent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, set to commence in Ivory Coast in just two months.
