Alex Iwobi hopes that the Super Eagles can learn from their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and build on it for a better future.
Gernot Rohr’s men finished third in Group D after defeats to Croatia and Argentina, on either side of a 2-0 win over Iceland.
“The squad is young and we picked important lessons that will hopefully help us going forward,” the Arsenal winger told BBC Sport.
“Attention will soon shift to the Nations Cup and we must make our World Cup lessons count.”
Against Argentina in their final Group D match, the Super Eagles were four minutes away from booking a place in the knockout stages, but Marcos Rojo struck late to break their hearts.
“We had a lot of hopes and believed that we could do well. We are very proud of ourselves and are going to take the positives of course,” Iwobi added.
“We are just unfortunate about the last minute goal that came against Argentina which led to a defeat that knocked us out of the group. We are taking positives but we are very happy with what we did.”
The Nigerian fans had hoped that Iwobi would play a key role in Russia, but were left disappointed that the Arsenal player was only given a half against Croatia and late substitute appearances against Iceland and Argentina.
“It’s not just me or my tournament, it’s Nigeria’s tournament,” he remarked.
“The coach did put me in that position because he wanted to try something new, try something else, so I had no problems because at the end of the day it is what the manager decides is what goes.”
Next up for Nigeria is a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September.
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COMMENTS
I like this guy commitment. just try and work hard so as to convince the new coach to play you regularly. He has already said he knows you very well.
iwobi don’t worry, we are all feeling the same hurt, but we must move ahead now to the nations cup. keep working hard and continue to make us proud
So GR went to the WC to try new thing .so wat is the use of friendly games.? GR work against the same team he labours to assemble or hw do one explain his refusa to bring in fresh legs against ARG at the dying moments of the game wen it was obvious subs Wuld have helps in defending the team advantage wch was still withing reach even at 83rd minutes . Iwobi that played major pivoter role for Nig now become bit player at the most impt moment. GR Wahahi done collect bribe FR unscrupulous Nigerians who never love to see their country United as we all know football is a major major unifying factor among our pple.