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By Goli Innocent
Nigeria’s Super Eagles may still have a shot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and midfielder Alex Iwobi is holding onto hope.
The Fulham star, who shone at AFCON 2025, admits the national team is in a tense state of anticipation, awaiting a potential lifeline that could see them feature in the global tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In an exclusive chat with Supersports, Iwobi reflected on the emotional challenge of possibly missing out on the World Cup.
When asked whether he would choose lifting the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualifying for the World Cup, the 29-year-old offered a deeply human answer.
“I mean, we’re still waiting,” Iwobi said. “Hopefully, we can go to the World Cup. But it’s a tough choice. AFCON is a legacy, a career highlight, a moment you never forget.
“Yet, I’ve already been to the World Cup, and many of my teammates haven’t. They dream of representing Nigeria on that stage. I can’t be selfish and choose the AFCON if it means they might miss the World Cup. So it’s complicated… I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Iwobi’s cautious optimism mirrors the wider mood at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is awaiting a FIFA ruling after formally contesting Nigeria’s World Cup qualification play-off defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Despite a heart-wrenching penalty shootout loss at Morocco’s Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes are not entirely extinguished.
The NFF alleges that DR Congo fielded up to six ineligible players during the decisive match, citing what it calls a “dual nationality trap.”
While FIFA rules permit nationality switches, DR Congo’s constitution forbids dual citizenship, creating a clash of regulations.
NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed expressed confidence in Nigeria’s case.
“We’re waiting. According to Congolese law, dual nationality isn’t allowed. FIFA rules say once you hold a passport of your country, you’re eligible. Our concern is that FIFA may have been misled. We believe the process was fraudulent,” he said.
Nigeria, meanwhile, has demonstrated its footballing strength, securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and showcasing one of the continent’s most talented squads.
As Iwobi emphasises, the journey is about more than trophies, it’s about giving his teammates a chance to live their dream on the world’s biggest stage.
