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Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has said that Nigeria is still holding out hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite uncertainty surrounding the team’s path to the tournament.
Iwobi, speaking in an interview with Supersport Football, acknowledged the situation, saying that the team remains in limbo but is optimistic about a possible turnaround.
When asked whether he would rather win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations or secure a World Cup place, the Fulham midfielder admitted the question was difficult. He said that lifting the AFCON trophy would represent a major milestone in any player’s career.
However, the 29-year-old noted that while he has already experienced the World Cup, many of his teammates have not. He explained that it would be unfair to prioritise personal ambition over the opportunity for others to feature on football’s biggest stage, adding that he could not make a selfish choice.
Nigeria’s campaign for the World Cup appeared to have ended after a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in November, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since challenged the result, alleging that the Congolese side used ineligible players.
The NFF’s petition to FIFA centres on claims that up to six DR Congo players were ineligible due to nationality regulations. The federation argues that although FIFA rules allow players to switch national allegiance under certain conditions, DR Congo’s constitution does not recognise dual citizenship.
FIFA is yet to deliver a decision.
Despite the uncertainty, the Super Eagles recently secured a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and remain regarded as one of Africa’s most talented squads as they await FIFA’s verdict.
