By Charles Maduka
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed optimism that Nigeria can still secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the uncertainty surrounding the team’s campaign.
Speaking in an interview on SuperSport Football, the 29-year-old said the team remains hopeful as it awaits a possible lifeline in the qualification process.
Iwobi described the dilemma facing the squad if they were made to choose between winning the Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup, noting that the decision is complicated by the different experiences of players in the team.
He said winning AFCON would be a great achievement and a lasting legacy in any player’s career, but added that many members of the current squad have never played at a World Cup and are eager to experience football’s biggest stage.
Iwobi, who featured for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, said he could not be selfish by preferring continental glory over giving his teammates a chance to play at the World Cup.
Nigeria’s AFCON campaign in Morocco ended before the final, while their World Cup qualification hopes suffered a setback after a playoff draw with DR Congo, who later advanced on penalties.
The Nigeria Football Federation has since filed a protest with FIFA, alleging that some DR Congo players were ineligible, a claim rejected by the Congolese football authorities.
As the matter remains under review, Nigerian football officials and fans continue to await FIFA’s decision, with hopes that a favourable ruling could reopen the Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 World Cup.
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