“It’s only right we give our best” – Alex Iwobi stresses determination in Nigeria vs DR Congo

By Wale Mustapha

Ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup playoff final against DR Congo this Sunday, midfielder Alex Iwobi has spoken candidly about the importance of giving their all to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles are still battling to qualify after missing out on the last tournament in Qatar due to poor performances in the qualifiers.

For Iwobi and his teammates, the stakes have never been higher. Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a winner-takes-all clash in Rabat, Morocco.

The game is pivotal to Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup finals, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States in 2026.

“It’s only right that we give our best,” Iwobi told Sporty TV in an exclusive interview. “We know the World Cup is the biggest competition in football, and it would be a shame if Nigeria didn’t make it. We have to show our commitment and fight for the country.”

The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar left a deep scar on Nigerian football, and the team is now determined to avoid another heartbreak.

With a chance to redeem themselves, Iwobi stressed that the players understand the gravity of the situation and are prepared to leave everything on the field.

“Hopefully we win and get the result we want,” he continued. “The World Cup means a lot to every player, and for us, it’s about showing Nigerians that we are there, ready to compete at the highest level.”

Iwobi, who has been an integral part of the Super Eagles for years, remains a key figure in the squad. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team navigates the final hurdle in their World Cup qualification journey.

A win over DR Congo would bring Nigeria one step closer to securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup, an opportunity the Super Eagles are determined to seize.

As the final whistle approaches, all eyes will be on Iwobi and the rest of the Super Eagles as they prepare for the biggest match of their careers.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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