The African nation will now have to qualify via a play-off.
Alex Iwobi says Nigeria’s World Cup dream has been “resurrected from the dead” after a turbulent qualifying campaign that almost ended in disaster.
The Super Eagles looked on course for a shock early exit after taking just three points from their first four games, drawing at home to both Lesotho and Zimbabwe while cycling through three different coaches.
Injuries to star striker Victor Osimhen only deepened the crisis. But a late surge, including a 4-0 win over Benin, secured Nigeria’s place in the African play-offs on goal difference.
Now, Iwobi and his team-mates face a new challenge: stopping his former Arsenal team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when Nigeria meet Gabon in Thursday’s play-off semi-final in Morocco.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Fulham star opened up on the challenge he now faces with his country.
He said: “He’s getting on, but you wouldn’t think that. He’s a youthful guy. I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up.”
Aubameyang, now 36, has been in lethal form, scoring seven goals in qualifying, including four in one game against The Gambia – as Gabon finished just a point behind Ivory Coast.
The Marseille striker will be driven by the chance to lead his country to their first-ever World Cup.
Iwobi spoke warmly of his time with Aubameyang at Arsenal, describing the veteran forward as both a mentor and a friend. “I was his little brother. He took care of me, had banter, made sure I felt comfortable,” Iwobi recalled.
“On the pitch, he always told me to express myself and be confident. He’s a really happy guy, always smiling, always positive.”
Nigeria’s route to the 2026 World Cup remains a difficult one. After finishing behind South Africa in their qualifying group, they must first overcome Gabon and then face the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo to reach an intercontinental play-off in March.
That final hurdle would see them face an opponent from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the CONCACAF region for a spot at the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
Having missed out on Qatar 2022, Iwobi is determined to make amends. “The confidence is high. I’ve been to one World Cup before – I’d love to be there again. It won’t be easy, but we believe we can make it. And I know Aubameyang will be just as desperate to get there too.”
