No regret missing out on 2026 World Cup – Iwobi

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi reflected on his international career, stating he has no regrets, even with the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup and not winning the Africa Cup of Nations. Iwobi emphasized that every experience, good or bad, shapes one's journey and he wouldn't change anything.

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In life, there is always room for improvement. Of course, I would have liked to win the AFCON, and I would have liked to be participating in the 2026 World Cup. But for me, in life, there are no regrets, because your story could have changed. You never know how it could have turned out. So I am happy to be where I am today.

Looking back at his debut ten years ago against Congo, with Sunday Oliseh as coach, Iwobi described it as a good and amazing experience. Having previously represented England at youth levels, he felt welcomed by the Nigerian team and staff, allowing him to express himself freely.

Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, a Nigerian football legend and Iwobi's uncle, played a role in his decision to commit to Nigeria. While acknowledging Okocha's influence and his parents' Nigerian heritage, Iwobi stressed that the final decision was his. He participated in the U-23 team trials, feeling at home and ultimately choosing Nigeria as his heart's destination.

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To be fair, the team and the staff made me feel welcome. How much influence did Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha have on your decision to play for Nigeria? I did not feel any pressure, and they just allowed me to go and express myself.

Iwobi identified his goal against Zambia, which secured Nigeria's qualification for the 2018 World Cup, as his most memorable. The significance of the goal was amplified by the presence of his parents in the stands, making it a deeply personal and celebrated moment. He dedicates his play to them.

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To be fair, he has always been a part of my life and my football. He always said, “Go and do what you feel is right, go and enjoy your football.” Of course, my family is Nigerian, and he is a Nigerian legend, so the advice I got from my parents and from him was that before I made a decision on where I wanted to play, I should give Nigeria a trial and see how I felt.

When asked about being a legend, Iwobi humbly stated he wouldn't use that term for himself, focusing instead on his journey and contributions to the team.

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I actually went to the U-23s and experienced it for myself, and I felt a lot like I was at home. No disrespect to England, because I had a good time there, but Nigeria is where my house is, where my home is, where my heart is.