Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that the Nigerian national team is in a state of “waiting” as the country holds out for a potential lifeline to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking recently about the emotional weight of missing out on the global showpiece, Iwobi was asked if he would have preferred an AFCON 2025 trophy over a ticket to the World Cup.

For the 29-year-old, his answer focuses on the dreams of his teammates.

“I mean, we’re still waiting, well, hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one. It’s a tough one because winning AFCON’s like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment,” Iwobi said.

“But 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,’ 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. I don’t know.”

Iwobi’s cautious optimism reflects the current atmosphere within the Nigeria Football Federation.

Despite a painful penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in November, the Super Eagles’ journey may not be over.

The NFF officially petitioned FIFA, alleging that the Congolese side fielded up to six ineligible players during the decisive play-off.

The core of the argument rests on a “dual nationality trap”. While FIFA regulations allow for nationality switches, DR Congo’s own constitution strictly forbids dual citizenship.

NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed remains adamant that the federation has a “strong and credible” case that could overturn the result.

“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible… But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” Mohammed said.

Having just secured a bronze medal at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Super Eagles are widely regarded as one of the most talented squads on the continent.