IWOBI HOPEFUL OF REPRESENTING NIGERIA AT 2026 WORLD CUP

Read Time:1 Minute, 59 Second

By: Muftau Fatimo

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that the Nigerian national team is currently in a state of “waiting” as the country hopes for a possible route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The media reports.

Speaking recently about the disappointment of missing out on the global tournament, Iwobi was asked whether he would have preferred an AFCON 2025 trophy over a World Cup berth.

For the 29-year-old, his focus remains on the aspirations of his teammates.

POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS IN ₦10M BLACKMAIL SCHEME IN LAGOS

“I mean, we’re still waiting—hopefully we can make it to the World Cup—but it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is… it’s a great legacy, a great achievement 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.”

Iwobi’s cautious optimism reflects the current atmosphere within the Nigeria Football Federation.

Despite a painful penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, the Super Eagles’ journey may not be over.

The NFF has formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that the Congolese team fielded up to six ineligible players during the crucial World Cup play-off.

The case centers on a “dual nationality trap.” While FIFA regulations permit nationality switches, DR Congo’s constitution strictly prohibits dual citizenship.

NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi Mohammed insists that the federation has a “strong and credible” case capable of overturning the match result.

“We’re waiting. Congolese law forbids dual citizenship, while FIFA rules state that holding a passport makes a player eligible… Our concern is that FIFA was misled into clearing them. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” Mohammed explained.

Fresh from winning a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Super Eagles are considered one of the most talented squads on the African continent.