Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi has said that he is hopeful his team could still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the continental playoffs.
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is reportedly investigating DR Congo regarding player eligibility during the World Cup qualifiers.
DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties to qualify for the intercontinental playoff as one of Africa’s representatives.
However, Nigerian outlet Arise News has reported that FIFA is probing DR Congo for allegedly fielding ineligible players during the playoffs.
Chelsea’s Tyrique George opens door to representing Ghana
Reports indicate that about nine DR Congo players switched nationalities without fully completing the required legal and administrative procedures, although FIFA has yet to issue an official response.
During an interview, Iwobi was asked if he would trade an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy for a World Cup title had he won. The player remained open-minded about the situation.
The Fulham midfielder stated that his team is patiently waiting for the outcome of the petition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and hopes it will be favorable, possibly securing qualification.
However, he made it clear that choosing between the two tournaments would be difficult, as the AFCON represents a great legacy for their generation, while younger players would want to experience the World Cup, hence his neutral stance.
“We’re still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a great legacy, a great thing to have in your career; a memorable moment.
“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t. They would like to say, ‘I want to go to the World Cup.’ So, 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. I don’t know,” he said in a video shared by SuperSport.
Watch the remarks below:
Iwobi says they are still hopeful to go to the World Cup.
He simply knows more as well.
FIFA verdict will break the Internet.
pic.twitter.com/HBorFtxArb— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 6, 2026
SB/AE
Meanwhile, watch the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards Nominees Unveiling below:
