Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has voiced optimism that Nigeria may still find a route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s uncertain position in the qualification race.
The Fulham star admitted that the national side is currently in a period of “waiting” as Nigeria hopes for a possible reprieve that could revive its chances of reaching the global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking during an interview with Supersport Football, Iwobi reflected on the emotional weight of potentially missing the World Cup when he was asked a hypothetical question: would he prefer winning the AFCON 2025 title or qualifying for the World Cup?
For the 29-year-old, who featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the dilemma goes beyond individual ambition and focuses on the dreams of his teammates.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.
“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say, ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Iwobi’s guarded optimism mirrors the prevailing mood within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is still awaiting a ruling from FIFA after submitting a formal petition over Nigeria’s World Cup qualification play-off loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We are still waiting. Hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”
Although the Super Eagles suffered a painful penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, their World Cup hopes may not be completely over.
The NFF has petitioned FIFA, alleging that the Congolese side fielded as many as six ineligible players during the decisive fixture. The federation’s argument hinges on what it terms a “dual nationality trap,” claiming that while FIFA regulations allow nationality switches, DR Congo’s constitution does not recognise dual citizenship.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, has maintained that the federation’s case is strong and supported by relevant documentation.
Nigeria recently finished third at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and remain widely viewed as one of the most talented squads on the African continent, keeping hope alive that the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream may yet be salvaged.
What you should know
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now rest on a pending FIFA decision following a petition by the Nigeria Football Federation.
The NFF alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their play-off encounter, citing constitutional issues around dual nationality. If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could receive a second chance at qualification.
The situation has left players in limbo, with senior figures like Alex Iwobi balancing the prestige of AFCON success against the global significance of World Cup participation.
