Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, remains hopeful Nigeria can still find a way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the uncertainty surrounding their qualification campaign.
The Fulham star admitted the team is effectively in a state of “waiting” as the country looks to receive a possible lifeline to the tournament scheduled for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In an interview with SuperSport Football, Iwobi was asked whether he would prefer lifting the AFCON 2025 trophy or securing World Cup qualification.
The 29-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 edition in Russia, said the choice is not straightforward, especially considering his teammates.
“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.
“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.”
Iwobi’s measured optimism mirrors the stance of the Nigeria Football Federation, which is awaiting FIFA’s verdict after submitting a petition over Nigeria’s World Cup play-off defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We are still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”
Although the Super Eagles lost on penalties to DR Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, their chances of qualification may still hinge on FIFA
