Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is hopeful Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the ongoing uncertainty in the qualification race.
The Fulham midfielder admitted the team is effectively in a “wait-and-see” mode, waiting for a potential lifeline to the global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Also read: NFF: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup
Speaking on SuperSport Football, the 29-year-old admitted that while Nigeria were eliminated on the field, a formal petition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) keeps a faint ray of hope alive.
Asked if he would exchange a future Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for a guaranteed World Cup spot, Iwobi gave a selfless response.
“I mean, we're still waiting; hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” Iwobi said.
Also read: 2026 World Cup: Nigeria's hopes revived by DR Congo players' ineligibility claims
“It's hard because winning the AFCON is a great legacy, but I've already been to the World Cup, and many players haven't. They would like to go, so I can't be selfish and say win the AFCON while my teammates miss the World Cup.”
His comments come amid ongoing developments in the NFF, which has filed a petition with FIFA over the DRC. Congolese football officials have rejected the claims, insisting that all players were eligible and that the results should be valid.
Nigeria's World Cup hopes suffered a setback after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final African playoff in November 2025. However, the NFF alleges that Congo fielded ineligible players and FIFA is still reviewing the petition.
