Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi recently found himself at the center of a social media storm following a video and image he shared from the team's hotel in Rabat, Morocco. The posts, made in the lead-up to Nigeria's crucial FIFA World Cup playoff match, quickly went viral on platforms like X, igniting a wave of criticism from Nigerian football fans directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Fans interpreted Iwobi's "weird expression" and the visible surroundings as an implicit critique of the team's accommodation, leading to accusations that the NFF was treating players poorly despite an impending high-stakes game. The controversy intensified as the posts were widely shared, with many questioning the federation's commitment to player welfare.

However, an investigation into the matter revealed the real situation. The Super Eagles are currently lodged at the Rive Hotel in Rabat, a four-star establishment situated in the heart of the city's Hassan district. According to a statement from the Super Eagles media team, the selection of the Rive Hotel was strategic, primarily due to its close proximity to the Prince Moulay Stadium, the venue for their upcoming game against Gabon. The stadium is merely a 13-minute drive from the hotel, offering convenience for the team's logistics.

Furthermore, Alex Iwobi himself clarified the situation, releasing a subsequent video on social media to confirm that he had no intention of slamming or criticizing the NFF over the hotel accommodation. A known enthusiast of sharing his lifestyle online, Iwobi explained that his initial post was simply a harmless sharing of his view and surroundings, much like other videos he had posted of himself playing games or walking with teammate Calvin Bassey. He stated he was merely enjoying the view, refuting any allegations of discontent.

Delving deeper into the Rive Hotel's specifics, it is indeed a four-star hotel, though not among the absolute top-tier establishments in Rabat, which boasts several five-star options. The hotel is ranked 71st out of 84 rated hotels in the Moroccan capital. According to TripAdvisor, a room at the Rive Hotel costs approximately $95 per night, which is comparatively cheaper than the $126 per night typically spent at the Four Points hotel in Uyo, Nigeria, where the Super Eagles often stay for home games. The service quality on TripAdvisor is rated 2.9/5 based on 173 reviews, indicating an average score. While some reviewers noted noise from a nearby disco club, the hotel's rooms are equipped with soundproofing, suggesting that disturbances would only be significant if windows were left open.

Amidst this unexpected drama surrounding the team's accommodation, the overarching hope remains focused on the Super Eagles' performance. With their crucial FIFA World Cup playoff match just days away, the expectation is that the team will rise above any external distractions and emerge victorious, securing their path forward.