Alex Iwobi is beginning to find consistency at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025, delivering composed performances as Nigeria settled into the group stage.
The midfielder, nephew of former Nigerian great player Jay-Jay Okocha, has played an important role across the Super Eagles’ last two matches, offering balance in possession and helping the team manage key moments more effectively than in their opening fixture.
Iwobi’s influence was most evident against Tanzania, where he completed the full 90 minutes, recorded two assists, and created six key passes. His performance earned him Player of the Match, underlining his growing importance in Nigeria’s midfield.
Against Uganda, Iwobi again showed tactical discipline. During a brief spell of pressure early in the second half, he dropped deeper to receive the ball and help Nigeria regain control, allowing the Super Eagles to reset and dictate the tempo of the game.
Rather than forcing creativity, Iwobi has focused on efficiency. His positioning and decision-making have helped reduce the distance between midfield and attack, giving Nigeria’s forwards greater freedom while maintaining team structure.
While comparisons to past Nigerian stars have followed him, Iwobi is increasingly defining his own role. At this tournament, he has prioritised game management over spectacle, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad.
As Nigeria move into the knockout stage, midfield stability will be key to their progress. If Iwobi maintains this level of performance, he is likely to remain central to the Super Eagles’ plans.
