Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi has said the Super Eagles will not set a set a target for themselves at the upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup but is hopeful the team can advance from Group D of the competition.
Iwobi scored his first goal for the Eagles as Nigeria beat hosts Zambia 2-1 to open their Group B African qualifiers for Russia 2018 on a winning note.
He would then hand the Eagles their sixth World Cup ticket when he scored the only goal against the Chipolopolo in Uyo to ensure the three-time African champions became the first African side to book a ticket to Russia with a game to spare.
Iwobi scored twice as the Eagles earned a comprehensive 4-2 win over Argentina last October in Krasnodar but he admitted that they were in a difficult group that has the two-time world champions Croatia and Iceland.
“No doubt, we are in a very tough group but we are going to work hard to qualify from the group. We have a great team, so we have no reason to fear because we’ve got what it takes to make it,” he added.
“We are not setting targets but we are confident we can come out of the group. With our fans behind us, we can go far at the tournament. I don’t have personal targets as well, it’s my first World Cup and I can’t wait to play at the World Cup.”
Asked if the Eagles, who have been beaten four times at the World Cup by the Argentines, can repeat the Krasnodar performance against the South Americans again in Russia, Iwobi added, “We are confident we can repeat that at the World Cup. We were unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers and we are confident and have young talent, who want to prove themselves any time they are on the pitch.”
The 22-year-old, who arrived the Eagles camp in Uyo on Monday aboard a Peace Airline accompanied by his father, Chuka, described the departure of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, as “depressing.”
The Frenchman was a key figure in Iwobi’s rise and has been a major source of motivation the Nigerian forward since handing him his Gunners debut in 2015.
“The fact that he’s going is depressing; he gave me confidence to become who I am today,” Iwobi added.
