jasdooit

Super Eaglesand Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has acknowledged that the Nigerian national team is in a condition of “waiting” as the nation awaits a possible opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Recently discussing the emotional impact of missing the global event, Iwobi was questioned whether he would have rather won the AFCON 2025 title than secured a spot in the World Cup.

At 29, his response centers around the aspirations of his teammates.

“I mean, we’re still waiting, hopefully we can make it to the World Cup, but I think it’s a challenging one. It’s tough because winning the AFCON is… it’s a great legacy, a remarkable achievement to have in your career, a memorable moment,” Iwobi said.

But then, at the same time, since I’ve already been to the World Cup, many of the players haven’t. They might want to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and have my teammates miss out on the World Cup. It’s a difficult situation. I don’t know. I really don’t know.

Iwobi’s cautious hope mirrors the prevailing sentiment inside the Nigeria Football Federation.

Although they suffered a painful penalty shootout loss against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, the Super Eagles’ journey might still continue.

The NFF formally submitted a complaint to FIFA, claiming that the Congolese team used as many as six players who were not eligible during the crucial playoff match.

The central point of the debate revolves around a “dual nationality trap.” Although FIFA rules permit changes in nationalities, the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo strictly prohibits dual citizenship.

The NFF Secretary General, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, continues to insist that the federation holds a “strong and valid” argument capable of reversing the outcome.

“We are waiting. The Congolese regulations state that dual citizenship or nationality is not allowed. FIFA regulations indicate that once you possess a passport from your country, you are eligible… However, our concern is that FIFA was misled into approving them. What we are asserting is that the process was fraudulent,” Mohammed stated.

Recently winning a bronze medal at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Super Eagles are considered among the most skilled teams in Africa.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).