Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared his thoughts ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar, stating that the team is ready for the challenge.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON qualification campaign against the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
Speaking with Football Fans Tribe ahead of the clash, Iwobi revealed that the team is feeling confident as they look to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“We feel good, we feel ready. It’s a new start, but everyone’s confident. We’re feeling good that we can qualify again, but it starts with the first game,” the midfielder said.
More Read
Iwobi is one of the few players in the current Super Eagles squad who featured the last time Nigeria faced Madagascar, at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Barea stunned the Super Eagles on that occasion, securing a 2-0 victory in their final Group B clash.
The Fulham star admitted that he cannot remember exactly how he felt after the defeat but insisted that the team is ready to give everything to secure victory this time, regardless of who takes to the pitch.
“Honestly, I can’t remember exactly how I felt, but of course it’s not nice to lose a game. I’m sure we’ll take every game seriously whether we rotate, whether we play the starting 11. Nigeria has a lot of talent that can beat any team. No matter who plays, everyone will give 100 percent.”
Iwobi also shared his thoughts on Fulham teammate Calvin Bassey, who has captained the Premier League side this season under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
“Of course, everyone was happy for him. I mean, he’s very vocal. He’s very loud, big personality, big character. But of course, when it’s time to lock in, he’s someone that gives 100 percent.”
“You can tell by the way he plays, a lot of passion, a lot of energy. So, it’s something that all of us in the team, we’ve tried to help him with. He’s carried the responsibility really well and yeah, I’m happy for him.”
Iwobi marked a major milestone on June 10, 2026, when he earned his 100th cap for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal. Despite reaching the landmark, the midfielder does not view himself as a legend of the national team.
“Me personally I don’t feel like a legend. I still feel like the same as I did when I was 19, 20 but it’s nice to be mentioned like that. I just don’t see myself like that. I just see myself as another player.”
With Nigeria now beginning a new AFCON qualification campaign, Iwobi will be expected to play an important role as the Super Eagles look to start their journey towards the 2027 tournament on a positive note.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
