Benson Chukwu
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has slammed Fulham star Alex Iwobi for sharing a contentious video before Nigeria’s dominant 4-1 win over Gabon in the World Cup qualifiers.
The clip, posted by Iwobi, revealed the subpar lodging conditions at the Super Eagles’ team hotel in Morocco, sparking widespread backlash among Nigerian football fans.
During their stay at Rabat’s Rive Hotel for matches against Gabon and DR Congo, Iwobi’s footage went viral, raising doubts about the NFF’s organizational standards ahead of crucial fixtures.
Although the former Arsenal attacker later defended his post, claiming no ill intent, Mikel didn’t mince words during his appearance on the Obi One Podcast.
“Alex’s post might’ve seemed harmless,” said Mikel, Nigeria’s former long-time skipper, “but as a top European-based professional, he should’ve known better than to share such content days before a decisive qualifier.”
“That negativity wasn’t what the team needed. Had I been captain, I’d have demanded its immediate deletion from social media to avoid unnecessary distractions,” added the 2013 AFCON winner.
The Super Eagles triumphed over Gabon in an intense extra-time semifinal clash before suffering defeat to DR Congo in Sunday’s playoff final.
Ayomide Olaniyan
