Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that Nigeria’s squad remains hopeful about qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that for many players, reaching football’s biggest stage outweighs even winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking amid Nigeria’s challenging qualification campaign, the Fulham star offered insight into the mentality within the squad when asked whether he would prefer lifting the AFCON trophy or securing a World Cup ticket.
Despite the team’s precarious position in the qualifiers, Iwobi stressed that belief remains intact.
“We’re still waiting, but hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”
AFCON Glory vs World Cup Stage
The 28-year-old acknowledged that winning AFCON carries enormous prestige and would cement a player’s legacy in African football.
“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 his perspective is shaped by personal experience. Having represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he understands the magnitude of the global tournament and the desire of teammates who have yet to experience it.
“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.’”
Leadership and Collective Ambition
In what many will see as a strong show of leadership, the former Arsenal midfielder admitted he cannot prioritize individual legacy over the collective aspirations of the team.
“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.”
Qualification Battle Ahead
Nigeria’s path to the expanded 2026 World Cup remains difficult but not impossible. With crucial qualifiers still to be played, the Super Eagles must deliver consistent results to keep their hopes alive.
For Iwobi and his teammates, the message is clear: AFCON glory would be historic, but the World Cup remains the ultimate stage many are still desperate to reach.
