Aina, Iwobi confident of Nigeria’s W’Cup qualification

Super Eagles duo Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi have vowed to help Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup, expressing unwavering confidence despite the country’s increasingly precarious position in the qualifying group after a gut-wrenching 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles’ World Cup dream hangs in the balance following their disappointing draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, a result that has left Nigeria fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa.

Aina, who plays for Nottingham Forest, took to social media with a resolute message writing, “We’ll make this WC (World Cup), chill.”

His teammate Iwobi was equally determined, posting, “Can’t stay down, we’ll go again. We’ll make World Cup in the mighty name of Jesus.”

The match against Zimbabwe showed evidence of the team’s recent struggles. Victor Osimhen had given Nigeria the lead in the 74th minute with a superb header from Ola Aina’s cross, set up by Tolu Arokodare’s clever hold-up play. This meant Osimhen had scored all Nigeria’s goals from these last two qualifiers games, further telling of reliance of the on-loan Galatasaray man.

Unlike in Rwanda where his two goals secured the win, Zimbabwe substitute Chawanda Chirewa’s late equaliser in stoppage time denied the Eagles a vital victory in Uyo.

The draw has complicated Nigeria’s qualification hopes, with the team now requiring a near-perfect run in the remaining matches. To secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, they must win all four remaining matches and hope for other teams to falter.

There is a glimmer of hope, however. Reports suggest that South Africa might face a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their match against Lesotho.

Mokhosi Mohapi, secretary-general of the Lesotho Football Association, has confirmed a formal inquiry to FIFA and CAF regarding Mokoena, who reportedly played despite accumulating two yellow cards during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The road ahead is challenging, but as Aina and Iwobi’s social media posts suggest, the team remains committed to securing their World Cup berth.