Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has expressed hope that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the uncertainty surrounding their campaign.
The Fulham player admitted that the national team is currently in a waiting position as they hope for a possible lifeline to the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking in an interview, Iwobi reflected on the emotional impact of possibly missing the tournament and was asked whether he would prefer to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations or secure World Cup qualification.
The 29-year-old, who featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, said the decision was not an easy one and explained that his thoughts were with 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 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 said.
Iwobi’s cautious optimism reflects the mood within the Nigeria Football Federation, which is still awaiting a decision from FIFA following its petition over Nigeria’s World Cup qualification play-off loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite losing on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, Nigeria’s hopes may not yet be over. The NFF has submitted a formal complaint to FIFA, claiming that DR Congo fielded up to six ineligible players in the match.
The federation’s argument is based on what it describes as a “dual nationality trap”, stating that while FIFA rules allow players to change national teams, the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo do not permit dual citizenship.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, has maintained that Nigeria has a strong case and remains confident of a favourable outcome.
Nigeria recently finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and are widely seen as one of the most talented teams on the continent.
