2026 World Cup: Iwobi Backs Nigeria’s Chances Amid Qualification Uncertainty

2026 World Cup: Iwobi Backs Nigeria’s Chances Amid Qualification Uncertainty

By Admin 

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria could still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the uncertainty surrounding the country’s current position in the qualification race, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 29-year-old admitted that the national team remains in a state of anticipation as it awaits a possible lifeline to the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking in an interview with SuperSport Football, Iwobi reflected on the emotional toll of potentially missing football’s biggest stage. He was asked whether he would prefer to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or secure qualification for the World Cup.

For the midfielder, who featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the dilemma extends beyond personal achievement and reflects the collective aspirations of the squad.

“We’re still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” Iwobi said. “It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy and a memorable moment in your career.

“But at the same time, I’ve already been to the World Cup and a lot of the players haven’t. They want to be able to say they’ve played at the World Cup. I can’t be selfish and say we should win AFCON while my teammates miss out on that opportunity. It’s a difficult decision.”

Iwobi’s comments mirror the prevailing mood within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is awaiting a decision from FIFA following its formal petition concerning Nigeria’s playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Despite suffering a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, Nigeria’s qualification hopes may yet be revived.

The NFF has submitted a petition to FIFA alleging that the Congolese team fielded up to six ineligible players during the playoff encounter. The federation argues that while FIFA statutes allow players to switch national allegiance, the constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo does not permit dual nationality.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, has maintained that the federation’s case is strong as Nigeria continues to await FIFA’s final decision.