Midfielder Alex Iwobi has called on his teammates to rise to the occasion ahead of Nigeria’s vital 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Iwobi stressed that the team still has much to fight for and urged his fellow players to secure the necessary points to qualify for the tournament. Speaking after Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City in London, he highlighted the significance of earning these points for the prestigious competition.
“There is still a lot to fight for. We have a lot to prove,” Iwobi stated in an interview with the Super Eagles media team. “We have a lot of quality in the team, and we need to ensure we get the points we need to qualify. It’s something we all want to achieve as a nation. We have the players to do it; we just need to believe and make it happen.”
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Iwobi acknowledged the pressure from fans but emphasized that players also hold themselves to high standards. “Just as fans demand from us, we also demand the best from ourselves because we know the quality we possess and how we perform for our club sides. We need to bring that form to the national team.”
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi echoed similar sentiments, welcoming the inclusion of younger players into the squad. He expressed hope that they will quickly integrate and contribute effectively.
“They (young players) are always welcome. This is the national team, and it’s a privilege to play here,” Ndidi said. “New players always want to give their best because representing your country is a great honor. I hope they adapt quickly to the team.”
The Super Eagles will play against Benin Republic on September 7 at the Uyo Township Stadium, followed by a match with Rwanda in Kigali on September 10, as they aim to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON.
