“From Window View to Outrage: Super Eagles’ Morocco Stay Sparks Social Media Firestorm”
- Samson Balogun
A fresh chapter has unfolded in the lodging controversy surrounding the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 African playoff tie in Morocco.
The uproar began when midfielder Alex Iwobi posted a short video showing the view from his room at the team base in Rabat — what many fans interpreted as evidence of sub-standard accommodation for the national team. The footage, which quickly spread across social platforms, drew harsh criticism from Nigerians who likened the lodging to a school hostel or low-grade barracks.
In his response, Iwobi stressed that he was simply sharing a view, not making any commentary on the hotel quality. “I didn’t say anything; I just showed the video,” he clarified, adding that he recognised some people aren’t even lucky enough to have a proper bed.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently issued a clarification, confirming the team’s accommodation at Rive Hotel in Rabat. They emphasised that the viral video did not show the hotel interior but rather an adjacent older building visible from the hotel window.
According to hotel data reviewed by local media, Rive Hotel is a modern four-star venue located in the Hassan district of Rabat, close to the training ground and match stadium for the Super Eagles. The camp officially opened on 9 November 2025, with early arrivals including Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi and others.
The backdrop of this incident is especially significant: the Super Eagles are gearing up for a do-or-die match against Gabon National Football Team in their African playoff semi-final on Thursday, 13 November. A win would send them into the final — and ultimately closer to a shot at the World Cup.
While the NFF insists logistic and accommodation requirements have been met, the incident highlights how perceptions—especially those shaped by a simple social-media clip—can quickly become a broader discussion about player welfare, national image and organisational readiness.