Iwobi insists world cup dream still alive as Super eagles await FIFA verdict

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi says Nigeria have not abandoned hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the uncertainty clouding the team’s qualification campaign, Sport360NG reports.

Speaking on SuperSport Football on Thursday, the 29-year-old admitted the race for a place at football’s biggest stage has taken an emotional toll on the squad, particularly amid debates over whether continental glory should take precedence over a World Cup ticket.

When asked if Nigeria would swap an Africa Cup of Nations title for World Cup qualification, Iwobi described the dilemma as complex, shaped by the different experiences within the team.

“Hopefully, we can still make it to the World Cup,” he said. “It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy and a special moment in any player’s career. But I’ve already been to the World Cup, while many of my teammates haven’t. They want to experience that stage, so I can’t be selfish and say AFCON over the World Cup. It’s not an easy decision.”

Iwobi featured for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and noted that the ambition of younger players to reach the global tournament remains a strong motivating factor within the squad.

His comments come in the wake of Nigeria’s disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where the Super Eagles were eliminated before the final between December 2025 and January 2026.

Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered a further setback after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in the playoff final in Rabat. The Leopards progressed after a 4–3 penalty shootout victory to secure a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation subsequently submitted a protest to FIFA, alleging that several DR Congo players were ineligible for the fixture.

DR Congo’s football authorities dismissed the allegations, insisting all players had been cleared by FIFA and calling for the result to stand.

As of late January, the matter remained under review by FIFA, with Nigerian supporters hopeful that a favourable ruling could revive the Super Eagles’ qualification prospects, potentially through sanctions if any eligibility violations are upheld.

NFF officials are understood to be awaiting FIFA’s decision, as uncertainty continues to surround Nigeria’s pathway to the 2026 World Cup.