Iraq's Lions players send motivational messages ahead of Oman clash

Iraq players have made confident and optimistic statements ahead of their upcoming match against Oman, which is part of the first round of the Gulf Cup "Gulf 27" in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq's national team held their training session on the C training pitch at the King Abdulaziz Sports City in Jeddah, lasting a full two hours, with most of the professional players present, except for the Austrian Red Bull player Youssef Al-Nasrawi, who is expected to arrive tomorrow, Tuesday, to join the squad.

On Monday, a large number of professional players joined the national team delegation in Jeddah, including Ayman Hussein, Zaid Tahseen, Ali Al-Hamadi, Zidane Iqbal, Amir Al-Amari, and Ahmed Qasim. Meanwhile, defender Mirhas Doski arrived late this evening.

Iraq midfielder Zidan Iqbal stated in remarks to the media: "The Iraq national team played well in Saudi Arabia in the Asian playoff last year despite the difficult match and the large crowd, and we will certainly benefit from that experience this time in Gulf Cup 27. The team has become stronger and more experienced after participating in the 2026 World Cup."

He added: "The Iraqi team has gained very important international experience, and we expect a similar atmosphere from the fans in this tournament. God willing, we will succeed in meeting the aspirations of the Iraqi fans who wish to see the team standing on the podium, and we hope that the Gulf Cup will be a gateway to bringing joy to the fans who support us in various circumstances, tournaments, and challenges."

For his part, our national team player and Al Nassr player Haidar Abdul Karim said: "I have been in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr for about a year and a half, so I know the atmosphere here well, and the humidity will not affect us, God willing. The Iraqi players are used to playing in such conditions, and the atmosphere in the city of Basra may be very similar to that of Jeddah."

He added: "I am very happy to be with the national team and to represent Iraq in my first international appearance, and I hope to contribute to my teammates and bring joy to the Iraqi fans. As for the technical aspect, the coaching staff continuously motivates us and provides us with instructions that will help us on the pitch. We trust in our abilities, and we hope to translate this desire and enthusiasm into positive results on the field."

Midfielder Abdul Razak Qasim stated: "All the players are in top physical and technical condition, and we are proud to be with the Iraqi national team. Representing the national team is a great honor for every player, and I have a big responsibility to give my all for the team. We are counting on our fans to provide the motivation and support we need to show our best."

He added: "God willing, I promise the fans that we will enter the tournament as strong competitors, as Iraq enters every tournament with the aim of winning and being crowned, and we hope to live up to the responsibility. Representing the Iraq national team has been my dream since childhood, and thank God I have been able to make my family and everyone around me proud by wearing the national jersey."