Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent setbacks and ongoing uncertainty over the team’s qualification campaign.
Nigeria’s hopes took a hit after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in the playoff final in Rabat. The Leopards advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026 following a 4–3 victory on penalties.
In response, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a petition with FIFA, claiming that several DR Congo players were ineligible to participate.
DR Congo’s football authorities have dismissed the allegations, maintaining that all players were cleared by FIFA and urging respect for the result.
As of late January, FIFA was still reviewing the case, leaving Nigeria hopeful that a positive ruling could reopen their path to the World Cup.
In an interview with SuperSport, the 29-year-old reflected on the emotional challenges facing the team, particularly the difficult choice between continental glory and securing a World Cup berth.
Asked whether Nigeria would prioritize an Africa Cup of Nations title over a World Cup spot, Iwobi acknowledged the complexity.
“I mean, we’re still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup,” the Fulham attacker said.
“But I feel it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy, a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment.
“But at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t. 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 have my teammates not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one.”
Iwobi, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, emphasized that the squad’s desire to play on football’s biggest stage remains a driving force for the team.
