IWOBI READY TO TAKE ON ‘BIG BROTHER’ AUBAMEYANG
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Alex Iwobi states that Nigeria’s pursuit of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been “revived from the brink of failure” after an initially alarming performance that left the Super Eagles with only three points from their first four qualifying matches, as reported by the BBC.
This campaign, which included home draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the involvement of three different coaches, and multiple injuries to star striker Victor Osimhen, ultimately culminated in redemption, thanks to a last-minute goal in their concluding group fixture against Benin.
That goal, scored by Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, secured the West Africans a 4-0 triumph that allowed them to advance to the African play-offs on goal difference as runners-up in Group C.
However, Nigeria confronts a new obstacle tomorrow – how to contain Iwobi’s former Arsenal teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when they clash with Gabon in their play-off semifinal in Morocco.
“He’s aging, but you wouldn’t perceive it. He’s a vibrant individual,” Iwobi remarked to BBC Sport Africa while discussing the 36-year-old Gabonese captain. “I don’t know how we’re going to restrain him.”
Aubameyang has already netted seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in a single match against The Gambia, as Gabon concluded just a point behind reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire in their group. The Marseille striker is driven by the chance to guide his nation to the World Cup for the first time.
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Iwobi, who played alongside Aubameyang for Arsenal during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, noted: “We both share the same ambition and respect that, but he’s an incredible person off the pitch as well.
“I was like his younger brother. He looked after me. He would engage with me, joke around, and ensure I felt at ease.
“On the field, he consistently encouraged me, saying, ‘Alex, just express yourself, be yourself. ’ He’s an extremely cheerful individual. His presence and charisma are truly remarkable. He always plays with a smile. ”
After finishing behind South Africa in Group C, which would have secured automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Nigeria now faces a challenging route to reach the finals.
They need to defeat Gabon and subsequently overcome the winner of tomorrow’s other play-off between Cameroon and DR Congo to advance to an intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March.
Should Nigeria reach that stage, their global ranking would position them to face an opponent from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean) region in one match.
The winners will then secure a place in the expanded 48-team tournament. Following Nigeria’s absence from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iwobi is eager to return to the pinnacle of international football.
“Granting ourselves another opportunity to participate in the World Cup, the confidence is elevated,” stated the 29-year-old. “I have experienced it once (Russia 2018), and I aspire to be part of it again. Hopefully, we secure the chance to accomplish that. It will not be straightforward. We must first compete against Gabon, and I am confident that he (Aubameyang) desires to attend the World Cup as well. ”
The individual who has revitalized Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations is Eric Chelle. The Malian became the inaugural non-Nigerian African to oversee the Super Eagles when he was appointed in January. He has remained unbeaten in six competitive matches, achieving four victories and two draws, and Iwobi asserts that the 48-year-old has fostered a positive environment within the squad.
“Our manager consistently encourages us that we are capable of persevering through all challenges,” elaborated the Fulham midfielder. “He is a remarkable individual. We often view him not merely as a manager, but as a big brother. He has cultivated a sense of brotherhood. ”
“Observing him on the sidelines, he becomes fervent—he is truly fighting for us. This energizes us, as we aspire to play not only for Nigeria but also for him.”
Iwobi further conveyed a message to supporters expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s qualification efforts thus far.
“It was not the most favorable of beginnings,” he acknowledged with a hint of understatement. “However, the fans must also comprehend that we all share the same objective.
“I understand their disappointment, as we are equally disheartened by not securing comfortable victories or triumphing against opponents we perhaps should have outperformed.
“We believe that on any given day, if we give our utmost, and with the talent at our disposal, we can defeat any team. Yet, stating it is one thing; we must validate it through our performance. “
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