Alex Iwobi opens Up on Super Eagles Struggles: ‘I Still Love Playing for Nigeria’

Alex Iwobi has opened up about the realities of representing Nigeria, revealing some of the challenges Super Eagles players face while insisting his passion for playing for the national team has never changed.

Speaking during a recent interview, the Fulham midfielder painted an honest picture of life on international duty, from paying for flights to dealing with poor facilities.

“I love playing for Nigeria, but you have to pay for your own flight. You get to the hotel and there’s no electricity. You wash your own kit, the pitch is only half grass, and if you make one bad pass the coach is screaming at you. But I love the food.”

Despite the difficulties, Iwobi made it clear that representing Nigeria remains one of the greatest honours of his career.

The 29-year-old also reflected on the emotional aftermath of Nigeria’s defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, admitting the criticism from fans affected him so deeply that he deleted his Instagram account.

“After the AFCON final against Côte d’Ivoire, Nigerians dragged me so much I deleted my Instagram.”

Iwobi revealed that Victor Osimhen visited him after the final and reminded him of everything he had achieved with the Super Eagles.

“Then Victor Osimhen knocked on my hotel room and said, ‘Even if you retire today, you’re a Super Eagles legend and one of our best players.”

Despite the challenges, Iwobi made it clear that nothing has diminished his pride in representing Nigeria. For him, wearing the Super Eagles jersey remains a privilege worth every sacrifice.