Iwobi: Eagles Still Dreaming of 2026 World Cup
Alex Iwobi has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles could still secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their failure to qualify through the traditional route.
Nigeria missed out after falling short in the group stage and the CAF playoff, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lodged a petition to FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players in last November’s playoff final.
The NFF’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, recently stated that Nigeria has a strong case and is anxiously awaiting the governing body’s verdict.
Speaking in an interview with SuperSport, Iwobi admitted the situation is complicated. Asked whether he would trade his 2025 AFCON bronze medal for a World Cup ticket, the midfielder reflected on the dilemma.
‘We are still waiting, we are hoping we can go to the World Cup but I feel it’s a tough one. Winning AFCON is a great legacy, a memorable moment in your career. But at the same time, I’ve been to the World Cup already, and a lot of the players haven’t.
‘They would like to say, ‘I want to go to the World Cup.’ I cannot be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates not to go to the World Cup. It’s a tough one, I don’t know.’
Iwobi, who featured in all of Nigeria’s matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, emphasized that while AFCON success is historic, the chance for his teammates to experience football’s biggest stage remains equally significant.
