Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has spoken about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team missing out through the regular qualification route.
Nigeria endured a difficult start to the CAF qualifiers, managing just three points from their opening four matches under former coaches Jose Peseiro and Finidi George. However, the appointment of Eric Chelle in January 2025 marked a turnaround, as the Super Eagles picked up 14 points from a possible 18 to finish second in Group C and secure a playoff place.
Nigeria went on to defeat Gabon 4–1 in the semi-final of the African playoffs but were narrowly beaten by DR Congo in the final, losing 4–3 on penalties. As a result, the Congolese side advanced to the intercontinental playoffs, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final clash between Jamaica and New Caledonia, according to FIFA.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since submitted a petition to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of some foreign-born DR Congo players who featured in the decisive match. The NFF claims that players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka were ineligible under Congolese law. FIFA is yet to issue a ruling on the petition, with the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place next month in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session on SuperSport, Iwobi expressed optimism that Nigeria could still make it to the World Cup. “We’re still waiting, and we’re still hopeful we can go to the World Cup,” he said.
Asked whether he would trade winning AFCON 2025 for a World Cup appearance, the midfielder admitted it was a difficult decision. “It’s tough because AFCON is a great legacy and a special achievement in your career,” Iwobi explained. “But at the same time, I’ve already been to a World Cup, and many of my teammates haven’t. I can’t be selfish and say win AFCON while they miss out on the World Cup. It’s a tough one—I don’t know.”
Nigeria finished third at AFCON 2025, and when asked if that result was fair, Iwobi maintained that the Super Eagles deserved more. “I’m biased, very biased, so I’ll say I feel we should have won it. But at the end of the day, we’re still happy we finished third,” he said.
