SUPER Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that Nigeria is still clinging to a slim but significant hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the national team waits on a crucial decision that could reopen the door to football’s biggest stage.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports Iwobi, who plays his club football with Fulham in the English Premier League, admitted that the mood within the Super Eagles camp is one of anxious anticipation, following Nigeria’s dramatic and painful exit from the World Cup qualification play-offs.
Speaking in a recent interview, the 29-year-old reflected on the emotional toll of missing out on the World Cup and was asked whether he would prefer winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or securing a ticket to the global tournament.
For Iwobi, the dilemma cuts deep not because of personal ambition, but because of the dreams of his teammates.
“I mean, we’re still waiting, well, hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” Iwobi said. “But I feel it’s a tough one. Winning AFCON is a great legacy, a great thing to have in your career. It’s a memorable moment.”
However, the former Arsenal and Everton midfielder explained that World Cup qualification carries a different weight, especially for players who have never experienced it.
“I’ve been to the World Cup already, but a lot of the players haven’t. They want to say, ‘I played at the World Cup.’ So I can’t be selfish and say we should win AFCON and for my teammates to miss out on the World Cup,” he added. “It’s a tough one. I honestly don’t know.”
Iwobi’s cautious optimism mirrors the atmosphere at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where officials are still pursuing a legal route that could revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, Nigeria’s World Cup journey may not be completely over.
The NFF has formally petitioned FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded up to six ineligible players during the decisive play-off match.
At the centre of the complaint is what the federation describes as a “dual nationality trap.”
While FIFA regulations allow players to switch national allegiance under specific conditions, DR Congo’s national constitution reportedly prohibits dual citizenship entirely — a contradiction the NFF argues should invalidate the eligibility of several players used by the Congolese team.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, has remained firm in defending Nigeria’s case, insisting that the federation possesses compelling evidence capable of overturning the result.
“We’re waiting,” Mohammed said. “Congolese law says you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible.”
“But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” he added.
The NFF believes that if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the play-off result could be nullified, potentially granting the Super Eagles another pathway to qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Nigeria’s hopes are buoyed by the undeniable quality of the current squad. The Super Eagles recently secured a bronze medal at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and are widely regarded as one of Africa’s most talented and competitive teams.
With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars, many observers believe Nigeria remains more than capable of making an impact on the world stage, if given the chance.
For now, that chance rests not on the pitch, but in the corridors of football’s global governing body.
As Iwobi and his teammates wait, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice, and perhaps destiny, will offer Nigeria one last shot at the 2026 World Cup.