Alex Iwobi under fire after costly error draws DR Congo level in World Cup playoff
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes were put under renewed scrutiny after a misplaced pass from Alex Iwobi contributed to DR Congo’s equaliser in their 2026 play-off clash, prompting sharp criticism from former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba.
Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria a dream start with an early goal inside four minutes, but the advantage evaporated midway through the first half.
Iwobi surrendered possession in midfield, triggering a swift Congolese counter-attack.
Wilfred Ndidi then failed to clear the resulting danger, allowing the Leopards to punish the defensive lapse and level the match.
Ikpeba, speaking during SuperSport’s live broadcast, said Iwobi’s reaction after losing the ball reflected a lack of urgency.
“So casual on the ball and then look at him just jogging back. You know, you were expecting him to sprint back if you could recover but he didn’t do that. That is what we say in this part of the world, ‘you dey play as if you dey for your parlour,” Ikpeba remarked, questioning the midfielder’s commitment in the decisive moment.
He went further, adding: “When you have a player who’s not ready to run, Iwobi is not ready to suffer. That is what will be. It has just showed in that situation.”
Nigeria’s inability to maintain control after their early breakthrough fed into a broader frustration among observers, who have long highlighted inconsistencies in the Super Eagles’ transitional play.
While Congo grew in confidence following the equaliser, Nigeria struggled to reassert the dominance they showed in the opening moments.
The match remained finely poised at 1–1 as the first period of extra time began, leaving both sides battling for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
For Nigeria, the scrutiny intensified, with Iwobi at the centre of the discussion over the defensive vulnerability that allowed the Leopards back into the contest.
As the tense knockout fixture continued, Ikpeba’s comments captured the mood of many Nigerian supporters who felt a moment of avoidable complacency had shifted the momentum of a crucial qualifying tie.
