Alex Iwobi during the AfCON 2023 final match against Côte d’Ivoire. (Credit: Getty Images)
* To provide viewers with unique insight into the modern game alongside other African football icons; Asamoah Gyan, Siphiwe Tshabalala, William Troost-Ekong, and Salomon Kalou
* Viewers should expect unrivalled insight from players and legends who have lived football’s biggest moments
* As SuperSport assembles its most formidable World Cup broadcast team ever with all 104 matches live across DStv and GOtv
Maravi Express
Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi, who is English Premiership side Fulham has joined the extraordinary lineup of football royalty that SuperSport has assembled for the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history taking place in the Americas from this evening.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™, being co-hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada, will kick off at 21h00 CAT between-Mexico-and-Bafana-Bafana-which-is-a-case-of-deja-vu-of-the-south-africa-2010-edition — to be live on SuperSport on DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus, Premium, DStv Stream, and GOtv.
SuperSport announces that Iwobi is joining a Dream Team of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ analysts to provide viewers with unique insight into the modern game — alongside other African football icons; Asamoah Gyan, Siphiwe Tshabalala, William Troost-Ekong, and Salomon Kalou.
“Viewers should expect unrivalled insight from players and legends who have lived football’s biggest moments as SuperSport assembles its most formidable World Cup broadcast team ever with all 104 matches live across DStv and GOtv,” says SuperSport Media.
Fresh from another outstanding Premier League campaign, Iwobi is touted to arriving in the SuperSport studio “at the peak of his powers”, adding: “The versatile midfielder has become one of the most respected and consistent performers in English football, transforming himself from a precocious Arsenal academy graduate into a seasoned Premier League leader and one of Nigeria’s most influential footballers.
Iwobi in Fulham colours against Ipswich Town FC at Craven Cottage on January 5, 2025. (Credit: CameraSport via Getty Images)
“Having amassed more than 95 international appearances for the Super Eagles, represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup™, reached multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) finals, and established himself as a key figure for Fulham in the English Premier League, Iwobi brings a rare perspective that only a current elite-level player can offer.
“Renowned for his tactical intelligence, relentless work ethic and ability to influence games in multiple positions, Iwobi will provide viewers with unique insight into the modern game from someone still competing against the world’s best players every week.”
SuperSport emphasises that Iwobi’s presence forms part of its “commitment to delivering world-class analysis for a tournament that promises to redefine football’s global landscape. And if Iwobi represents African football’s present, then the rest of SuperSport’s stellar panel embodies its rich past and enduring legacy,” says the statement.
He joins his former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, who is described as “one of the continent’s most respected defensive leaders”, who won the AfCON 2023 Player of the Tournament award.
Troost-Ekong against Portugal in a friendly on November 17, 2022 in Lisbon. (Credit: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Fresh off a distinguished international career, Troost-Ekong officially retired from international football in December 2025, closing the chapter on a remarkable journey that saw him captain the Super Eagles and represent Nigeria on football’s biggest stages.
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Reflecting on his new role with Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, Troost-Ekong shared his excitement about joining the SuperSport family: “It feels fantastic to officially join the SuperSport family for the World Cup.
“SuperSport is where I watched tournaments long before I had the chance to play at the World Cup for Nigeria in 2018, so being part of it now is genuinely special, and a full life cycle moment.
“African fans live football with incredible passion and knowledge, and I truly believe the fans are the heartbeat. The whole continent watches together, supports one another and wants to see African teams do well.
“This makes me so excited to offer insight from a current player’s perspective while helping audiences feel even closer to the biggest tournament in the world. I know what these tournaments feel like from the inside — the pressure, the preparation, the emotions, the small details that can change everything.
“That’s the perspective I want to bring to viewers, so we can all be on the journey together to watch African teams make history.”
Troost-Ekong marking Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. (Credit: Getty Images)
Having gone toe-to-toe with some of the world’s finest players, Troost-Ekong is uniquely positioned to translate the realities of elite international football for millions watching at home.
“My best football memory is playing at the 2018 World Cup. Walking out for our first game against Croatia and singing the national anthem, I almost had to pinch myself. I was there, on the world stage, in a moment I’d dreamed about.
“I’m so excited to watch this World Cup unfold across the USA, Canada and Mexico because history is going to be written again, right in front of us,” said the former Super Eagles captain, who believes this tournament could be a watershed moment for African football.
“This tournament is so special because we have a record number of African teams competing – and that feels only right with the level of talent and passion Africa has to offer. It is a testament to how important Africa is to world football, and to see the continent represented like this on the biggest stage is something to celebrate.”
Asamoah Gyan celebrating after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 against Germany. (Credit: Getty Images)
Adding even more pedigree to the panel is Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest-ever forwards as he remains Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer and Africa’s highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup™ history.
His six World Cup goals and starring role in Ghana’s unforgettable run to the quarter-finals in South Africa 2010 have cemented his place among the continent’s immortals.
Joining him is South African icon Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala, forever etched into football folklore after scoring the unforgettable opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ – the first goal scored on African soil at the tournament.
A Kaizer Chiefs legend and veteran of 90 appearances for Bafana Bafana, Tshabalala brings deep tactical understanding, infectious passion and a uniquely South African perspective to the studio.
UEFA Champions League winner Salomon Kalou returns to the SuperSport panel, bringing the sophisticated analysis and calm authority that viewers have come to expect from the Ivorian great.
Salomon Kalou. (Credit: Icon Sport)
He is joined by current Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell, whose experience in elite coaching environments across Europe, Africa and Major League Soccer will offer fascinating insight from within one of the host nations.
Carnell will be based on the ground in the US, providing viewers with the very best of analysis live from the spectacle. Guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be an exceptional team of broadcasters.
The stellar anchoring lineup includes Uganda’s Andrew Kabuura, the incomparable Carol Tshabalala, veteran presenter Thomas Mlambo, rising star Thato Moeng and charismatic Nigerian broadcaster Mozez Praiz.
“Together, they will bring viewers closer than ever to a tournament unlike any other. Spanning three host nations, featuring 48 teams and delivering an unprecedented 104 matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to be the biggest celebration of football the world has ever seen,” says SuperSport.
“And with Alex Iwobi leading an all-star African cast of football legends and modern greats, SuperSport viewers can expect analysis worthy of the spectacle — as from the opening whistle in Mexico City to the final showdown in New Jersey on July 19, SuperSport will be there every step of the journey.”—Reporting by SuperSport; edited by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
