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In Morocco for World Cup playoffs, Nigerian star’s hotel room video triggers uproar

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In Morocco for World Cup playoffs, Nigerian star’s hotel room video triggers uproar
DR

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles gear up for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, November 13, in Morocco, a hotel room video has unexpectedly taken center stage back home.

Ahead of the playoff clash against Gabon in Rabat, midfielder Alex Iwobi inadvertently stirred online debate after posting an eight-second silent video showing the view from his hotel room, which overlooked the back of a residential apartment building with windows and balconies lined with drying laundry, a scene that quickly went viral and reignited criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Responding to the backlash, team officials clarified that the Super Eagles are lodged in a modern four-star hotel in Rabat’s Hassan district, not in the rundown building visible in the footage. Quoted by local media, the NFF’s media officer explained that the hotel was chosen for its proximity to the training ground and stadium, noting that logistics were handled in coordination with local organizers. The federation emphasized that the choice prioritized convenience and security rather than luxury.

Iwobi later addressed the controversy, saying his video was misunderstood. «Life is all about perspective», he said in a follow-up post. «Because of the video, people think I’m ungrateful. I never complained, I was just showing the view. Some people don’t even have beds, so I’m comfy».

With attention turning back to the pitch, Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in Thursday’s playoff semi-final in Rabat. The winner will advance to meet either DR Congo or Cameroon, with a spot in the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs, and a potential ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, at stake.

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