By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

SuperSport has confirmed Nigerian international and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi as part of its expert team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The broadcaster said Iwobi would headline a panel featuring some of Africa’s most celebrated football figures.

In a statement released in Lagos on Thursday, SuperSport Senior Manager, Communications and Partnerships, Sibusiso Mjikeliso, highlighted Iwobi’s credentials.

Mjikeliso noted that Iwobi recently earned his 100th international cap for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

He said the midfielder had established himself as a key player for Fulham in the Premier League.

According to him, Iwobi’s experience at the highest level will provide viewers with valuable insight into the modern game.

“Iwobi brings a rare perspective that only a current elite-level player can offer.

“Renowned for his tactical intelligence and versatility, he will give viewers unique insight from someone competing against the world’s best every week,” he said.

Mjikeliso said the appointment reflected SuperSport’s commitment to delivering world-class analysis throughout the tournament.

He added that former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong would also join the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage team.

Troost-Ekong, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament, retired from international football in December 2025.

The former defender expressed delight at joining the broadcaster for football’s biggest event.

Troost-Ekong said: “It feels fantastic to officially join the SuperSport family for the World Cup.

“SuperSport is where I watched tournaments long before I played at the World Cup for Nigeria in 2018.

“Being part of it now is genuinely special and feels like a full-circle moment.”

He said African supporters remained the heartbeat of football across the continent.

He said: “African fans live football with incredible passion and knowledge.

“The whole continent watches together, supports one another and wants African teams to succeed.”

Troost-Ekong said he hoped to bring viewers closer to the tournament through a player’s perspective.

He said: “I know what these tournaments feel like from the inside.

“The pressure, preparation and emotions can change everything. That is the perspective I want to share.”

Reflecting on his playing career, Troost-Ekong described the 2018 World Cup as his greatest football memory.

“Walking out against Croatia and singing the national anthem was unforgettable.

“I was on the world stage in a moment I had dreamed about,” he said.

He said the expanded tournament offered a significant opportunity for African football.

“This World Cup is special because we have a record number of African teams competing.

“It reflects Africa’s importance to world football and is something worth celebrating,” he said.

Also joining the panel is Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan.

Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and Africa’s highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

South African football icon Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala will also feature in the studio team.

Tshabalala is remembered globally for scoring the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Former Côte d’Ivoire forward Salomon Kalou returns to the SuperSport panel for the tournament.

Current Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell will provide analysis from the United States.

Carnell’s experience across Europe, Africa and Major League Soccer is expected to add further depth to coverage.

The broadcaster’s presentation team includes Andrew Kabuura, Carol Tshabalala, Thomas Mlambo, Thato Moeng and Mozez Praiz.

SuperSport said the expanded 48-team tournament would feature 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The competition runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

All matches will be broadcast live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access packages.

The games will also be available via streaming on supported DStv packages. (NAN)

Update news