Nigeria Super Eagles pursue AFCON qualification as Alex Iwobi praised for consistency

Former MFM winger Sikiru Olatunbosun, now playing for Turkish club Ankaraspor, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would defeat Benin Republic away in the March 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, a win that could secure Nigeria's place at the 2021 AFCON and keep hopes alive for the 2022 World Cup. He noted the team had previously missed an automatic qualification chance after drawing with Sierra Leone.

Former Brentford defender Sam Sodje highlighted the contributions of midfielder Alex Iwobi, pointing out his 99 caps – third‑most in Nigerian history – and his approach to the national team record of 111 caps. Iwobi has made 318 Premier League appearances, the most by any Nigerian, and recorded 35 goals and 38 assists, demonstrating consistency and discipline. Sodje argued Iwobi deserves greater respect despite Nigeria’s recent struggles to qualify for World Cups, attributing broader shortcomings to the Nigerian Football Federation.