Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has admitted that Nigeria are still clinging to hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that the dream of playing on football’s biggest stage outweighs even an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph for many players in the current squad.
Iwobi made the candid remarks while responding to a hypothetical question about whether he would prefer winning the AFCON or securing qualification for the World Cup, offering a rare insight into the mindset inside the Super Eagles camp amid Nigeria’s ongoing qualification struggle.
‘Super Eagles Refuse to Give Up’ – Alex Iwobi
Amid Nigeria’s difficult position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Fulham midfielder insisted that belief has not been lost within the team.
“We’re still waiting, but hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”
Iwobi acknowledged the challenge ahead but shared that qualification remains a shared ambition for the squad.
AFCON Glory vs World Cup Dream
The 28-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, admitted that while winning the AFCON carries immense prestige, the World Cup holds a unique significance especially for players who have never experienced it.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like, it’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment.”
However, Iwobi explained that personal experience has shaped his perspective.
Having already tasted World Cup football, Iwobi revealed he is conscious of the aspirations of his teammates, many of whom are yet to appear on the global stage.
“Then 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 say, I want to go to the World Cup.”
‘I Can’t Be Selfish’ – Iwobi Chooses Team Over Personal Glory
In a striking show of leadership, the former Arsenal man admitted he could not put his own legacy ahead of the collective dreams of his teammates.
“So I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup.”
“So it’s a tough one, I don’t know.”
Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the expanded 2026 World Cup remain alive but precarious, with the Super Eagles needing strong results in the remaining qualifiers to keep their dream on track.
