A fresh angle has emerged in the ongoing debate over a video shared by Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, which appeared to show substandard lodging arrangements ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco.
The short clip, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, drew widespread criticism from fans who described the facility as “unbefitting” for the national team. Many compared the rooms to a “secondary school hostel,” accusing football authorities of neglecting player welfare and professionalism.
Amid the backlash, Iwobi clarified that he had made no negative remarks about the accommodation, insisting that his video was misinterpreted.
“I didn’t say anything; I just showed the video,” the Fulham midfielder explained, suggesting that his post was taken out of context.
Responding to the controversy, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) dismissed reports of poor lodging, explaining that the team is staying at RIVE Hotel in Rabat. The federation said the viral clip captured an old, unoccupied building visible from the hotel’s window — not the actual facility where the players are camped.
“RIVE was chosen because of its proximity to the team’s training facility and the stadium here in Rabat,” the NFF stated.
The Super Eagles have since shifted focus to their preparations for the high-stakes qualifier against Morocco, even as the incident highlights how quickly social media narratives can spiral — and how easily context can be lost in the age of viral content.
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