Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that Nigeria are still waiting and hoping for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the situation as a difficult one for the squad.
Speaking while responding to a hypothetical question, Iwobi acknowledged the prestige of winning the Africa Cup of Nations but stressed that a World Cup appearance carries a different weight, especially for players yet to experience football’s biggest stage.
“We’re still waiting, but hopefully we can go to the World Cup. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment,” Iwobi said.
“But at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to go to the World Cup.”
The Fulham midfielder explained that while an AFCON title is hugely significant, he cannot put personal achievements above the collective ambitions of his teammates.
“I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates not to go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one, I don’t know,” he added.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes remain uncertain following a challenging qualifying campaign, with the Super Eagles still relying on outcomes beyond their control to keep their chances alive. Despite the uncertainty, Iwobi’s comments suggest that belief remains within the camp.
The midfielder concluded by hinting that, for many players in the squad, a first-ever World Cup appearance would be more meaningful than continental glory, underlining the importance of global exposure and legacy at the highest level of the game.
