Super Eagles Star Sparks Social Media Storm with Hotel Video
Nigerian football star Alex Iwobi found himself at the center of a social media controversy on Monday, November 10, after sharing a video that showed an old building from his hotel room in Rabat, Morocco. The Fulham midfielder was among the early arrivals at the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon.
Iwobi had arrived in Morocco on Sunday, November 9, alongside teammates Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Samuel Chukwueze. The video he posted from his room at Rive Hotel quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerian football fans and criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation.
Player Clarification and NFF Response
Facing significant online backlash, the 29-year-old former Arsenal and Everton player took to social media again to clarify his intentions. "You see, in life, it's all about perspective," Iwobi explained in his follow-up video. "I snapped at the view I have and people are thinking these guys are ungrateful. Brother, I never said one thing. I just did one look like this, never said a word."
The Nigeria Football Federation issued an official statement addressing the situation, explaining their choice of accommodation. The NFF revealed that Rive Hotel was selected specifically for its proximity to both the team's training facility and the match stadium in Rabat. The football governing body emphasized that the viral video only showed one angle of an older building visible from a window, not representing the entire hotel facility.
Moroccan Football Community Reacts
The controversy took an international turn when Moroccan football fans entered the conversation. One prominent fan, using the social media handle @FRMFXtra, strongly criticized the NFF while defending Morocco's hospitality.
"Morocco opened its stadium to host you. Your corrupted federation chose this 4 stars hotel. Don't blame Morocco, this isn't AFCON yet," the fan wrote, adding pointedly: "Pay more if you want five stars."
Nigerian social media users were quick to respond to the Moroccan fan's comments, with many clarifying that their criticism was directed at the NFF, not the host country. User @Mujaheedonx responded: "Are you slow? No one is blaming Morocco here, rather the football federation." Another user, @kebio1, echoed similar sentiments: "No one is blaming your country. He is pointing to his football federation's position. Calm down."
The incident comes as Nigeria prepares to face Gabon in the World Cup playoff semifinal on Thursday, November 13. The Super Eagles are determined to qualify for the Mundial after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh had previously warned about players filming camp activities for social media, criticizing what he described as a growing trend that could distract from on-field performance. The veteran midfielder had raised concerns about players prioritizing social media content over focusing on their national team duties.
