We are still waiting – Iwobi shares hope of Super Eagles featuring in 2026 World Cup

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed cautious hope that Nigeria could still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, acknowledging the team is currently in a state of waiting. 

The Fulham player’s comments come as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) awaits a FIFA decision on a formal petition regarding the team’s qualifying playoff defeat.

When asked in an interview with Supersport Football whether he would prefer to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or qualify for the World Cup, Iwobi highlighted the aspirations of his teammates. The midfielder, who played at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, stated his personal choice was not straightforward.

“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 like in your career, a memorable moment,” Iwobi said. “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.”

The NFF’s petition to FIFA challenges Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November. The federation alleges the Congolese team fielded up to six ineligible players, arguing a “dual nationality trap” exists as DR Congo’s constitution prohibits dual citizenship, which conflicts with FIFA regulations on nationality switches.

NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi Mohammed has stated the federation has a strong case. Nigeria, which recently secured a bronze medal at AFCON 2025, now awaits FIFA’s ruling for a potential path to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.