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Ola Aina and Super Eagles teammate Alex Iwobi remain optimistic about Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup chances.
Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina discussed Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for and making an impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Premier League duo have expressed their optimism that the team can go all the way to the last four of the competition despite a challenging start to the qualification campaign so far.
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Nigeria, having failed to win any of their first four matches so far in the African qualifiers, find themselves in a precarious situation. However, the pair remain confident in the team’s ability to turn things around.
Iwobi and Aina sat down in a video shared on social media where the Fulham playmaker, who failed to inspire his team in their latest trip to Old Trafford, emphasised the significance of the qualification series.
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"I hope we qualify because it's everyone's dream. I am lucky to have lived to play in the World Cup," he said. Iwobi also expressed regret that some deserving players, like Aina, missed out on previous tournaments.
On his part, Nottingham Forest defender, Ola Aina, who missed the World Cup party in 2018, believes that the Super Eagles will also qualify.
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"I can't lie to you, I think we will get there." He acknowledged the team's current difficulties but remained resolute in his belief.
Nigeria can make semis - Ola Aina
Aina went further, drawing parallels with Ghana's 2010 World Cup performance, where they reached the quarter-finals.
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"With the squad that we have, we can easily touch semis. I don't think it is a stretch; I think our team is so talented that we actually can do something," he stated confidently.
The defender also referenced Nigeria's recent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations performance as evidence of the team's potential, describing it as "just a glimpse" of what they're capable of.
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Iwobi concurred with Aina's sentiment, adding that "Nigeria is still young," suggesting that the team's best days may still be ahead.
This conversation highlights the strong and unchanging belief within the Super Eagles camp, despite their current struggles in the World Cup qualifiers.
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As Nigeria looks to navigate the challenging road to the 2026 World Cup, the optimism of key players like Iwobi and Aina could prove crucial in rallying the team which is without a coach after Finidi George’s shock resignation.
With several matches still to play in the qualification process, Nigeria will be hoping to translate this confidence into results on the pitch as they aim to secure their place in the world's biggest football tournament.
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