Despite their current uncertainty in the qualifying battle, AFCON 2025 playmaker Alex Iwobi is optimistic that Nigeria’s Super Eagles could still earn a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Fulham midfielder acknowledged that Nigeria is essentially “waiting” for a chance to qualify for the world championship in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Iwobi faced a challenging hypothetical question when discussing the emotional burden of perhaps missing the World Cup in an interview with Supersport Football: would he prefer to win the AFCON 2025 trophy or make it to the World Cup?
The 29-year-old, who participated in Russia 2018, believes that his teammates’ goals are more important than his own.
“I think it’s a difficult one, but we’re still waiting. Hopefully, we can attend the World Cup. It’s difficult since in AFCONs such as… It’s a remarkable occasion, a wonderful legacy, and a nice item to have in your career.
However, although I’ve previously attended the World Cup, many of the players haven’t. I can’t be self-centered and say, “Winning the AFCON will prevent my teammates from attending the World Cup,” since they would like to say, “I want to go to the World Cup.” It’s a difficult one, then. I’m not sure. I’m not sure.
Iwobi’s cautious optimism is in line with the general sentiment of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is awaiting FIFA’s response to its formal plea about Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying play-off loss to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We’re still waiting. I hope we can attend the World Cup.
FIFA has received a petition from the NFF claiming that the Congolese squad used up to six ineligible players during
the pivotal meeting. The federation’s appeal focuses on what it refers to as a “dual nationality trap,” contending that although nationality swaps are allowed under FIFA regulations, dual citizenship is forbidden by the DR Congo’s constitution.
Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, the general secretary of the NFF, maintains that the organization has a compelling case.
“We’re holding out. You cannot hold two nationalities or citizenships, according to Congolese regulations. According to FIFA regulations, you are qualified as soon as you acquire your national passport. However, we are worried that FIFA was tricked into approving them. We are arguing that the procedure was dishonest.
Nigeria is recognized as one of Africa’s most promising teams and recently won a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
