Video: “Hopefully we can go,” Iwobi clings to World Cup dream

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigerian midfielder, Alex Iwobi remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after their initial qualification stumble, as the team awaits a crucial appeal against DR Congo.

In a video interview, Iwobi addressed the hypothetical trade-off between Nigeria’s recent AFCON triumph and a World Cup berth.

“We’re still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup!” he said, highlighting the lingering hope amid uncertainty.

The appeal centers on allegations that DR Congo fielded an ineligible player in their 1-0 win over Nigeria, which could be overturned—potentially securing automatic qualification for the Super Eagles and sending shockwaves across the internet.

Reflecting on his own World Cup experience from 2018, Iwobi balanced personal legacy with team spirit, “Winning AFCON has been a great legacy and memorable moment in my career. But at the same time, as I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of players haven’t, so they want to go. I can be selfish and say win AFCON for my team mates not going to World Cup! It’s a tough one. I don’t know.”