World Cup Qualifiers

Inside Nigeria camp in Rabat as Iwobi reacts to viral video from Rive Hotel

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has addressed the social media reaction to a Snapchat video he shared from the Super Eagles camp in Rabat, Morocco, which many fans misinterpreted as a complaint about the team’s accommodation.

The Fulham player posted a short clip from his hotel window ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup play-off clash against Gabon in Rabat. Some viewers accused him of mocking the facilities, but Iwobi insists that wasn’t the case.

“You see, in life it’s all about perspective,” he explained. “Because I snapped the view, people thought I was being ungrateful. I never said one thing  I just made a face.”

He added:

“Some people don’t have homes or beds. I’m comfy, I was just playing Mario Kart. Just let me focus. We’ve got a big game coming up.”

Alex Iwobi clarifies viral Snapchat post from Super Eagles Rabat base, as Nigeria stay at the four-star Rive Hotel ahead of Gabon clash.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Why Nigeria are staying at the Rive Hotel

The Super Eagles are camped at the Rive Hotel in the Hassan district of Rabat, Morocco. According to the team’s media department, the decision was made for logistical reasons, the hotel is just a 13-minute drive from the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the venue for Thursday’s match against Gabon.

The Rive Hotel is a four-star facility, ranked 71st out of 84 hotels in Rabat. It’s considered decent but not among the top-tier hotels in the Moroccan capital, which also boasts several five-star options.

A standard room costs around $95 per night, compared to about $126 per night for the hotels usually used by the Super Eagles in Nigeria.

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According to TripAdvisor, the Rive Hotel’s service quality is rated 2.9 out of 5 from 173 reviews.

Alex Iwobi clarifies viral Snapchat post from Super Eagles Rabat base, as Nigeria stay at the four-star Rive Hotel ahead of Gabon clash.

Super Eagles. Photo Credit: NFF COMM

The most common complaint among guests is noise from a nearby disco club, though most rooms are soundproofed, reducing disturbance unless windows are left open.

Iwobi’s social media history

Iwobi has previously been warned by Fulham for posting behind-the-scenes content on Snapchat, after accidentally revealing footage that spoiled the club’s announcement of captain Tom Cairney’s new contract.

“They’re trying to ban Snap in our changing room,” he said at the time. “It’s a shame because fans enjoy it, but I have to respect the rules.”

Nigeria’s World Cup path

Nigeria finished second behind South Africa in their qualifying group and now face a three-match play-off route to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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They take on Gabon first, and if successful, will meet the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo in the next round.

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