Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi believes Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive, despite the disappointment of defeat in their recent qualifier against DR Congo.
Speaking in an interview with SuperSport Football, the Fulham midfielder admitted the Super Eagles are currently in a holding pattern, waiting on FIFA’s decision following a formal petition lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation.
“We are still waiting. Hopefully we can go to the World Cup” — Alex Iwobi. ?
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 6, 2026
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Nigeria’s qualification hopes were dealt a major blow after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo ended in a penalty shootout defeat, sending the Congolese side through to the inter-confederation playoffs. However, the NFF has challenged the result, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive match.
Why Nigeria Are Still Waiting
Following the playoff defeat, the NFF submitted a petition to FIFA alleging that several DR Congo players were ineligible due to nationality regulations. The claim centres on what Nigerian officials describe as a “dual nationality trap”, arguing that while FIFA permits nationality switches, DR Congo’s domestic laws prohibit dual citizenship.
DR Congo’s football authorities have rejected the claims, insisting that all players were cleared by FIFA and that the result should stand.
As of late January, FIFA is still reviewing the case, leaving Nigeria’s World Cup fate unresolved.
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A Slim Lifeline
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could yet be reinstated into the qualification pathway and earn a place in the inter-confederation playoffs, keeping alive hopes of appearing at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Until then, Nigeria wait.
