AFCON: Alex Iwobi credits Nigeria’s dominant run to years of team chemistry

Nigeria captain Alex Iwobi attributed the Super Eagles’ impressive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) run to team chemistry built over years of playing together.

Fine-tuning for Wednesday 🎛

The best photos from Mohammed VI Training Complex 📸.#Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/CZSQddpAmh

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 13, 2026

​The Super Eagles have maintained a perfect record in the tournament, winning all five of their matches to book a semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco on Wednesday. The 29-year-old, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in a vital midfield role, spoke during Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the clash.

Iwobi, the most capped player in the squad with 96 appearances, is featuring in his fourth AFCON, having previously won bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023.

The Fulham midfielder believes this collective experience has been key to the team’s newfound success, noting that the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has served as a primary motivation in Morocco.

“From the previous AFCON where we performed very well, we were a bit young but you realize now everyone is entering their prime and performing well both at club and the national team and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when we play for our country.

I feel like everybody has this task ahead that we want to win every game. Obviously we wanted to qualify for the World Cup but it did not happen and we are trying to use that disappointment as a push factor for ourselves and our country.”

He added that the team is a family with unity and it is what is bringing out the best in the players.

“It’s not just on the pitch, but also off it. There is a big unity, a big family, and it starts from the coach. We’re one big family and you can see on the pitch that we’re fighting for each other. That brings out the best not just in me, but in all the players.”

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi speaks on the improved chemistry, stronger unity as the difference in the team since the World Cup qualifiers.#Afcon25withbrila pic.twitter.com/WdzGDxxQRi

— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) January 13, 2026

During Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria, the former Arsenal man equalled the record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder (22), joining legends Jay-Jay Okocha, Muda Lawal, and John Obi Mikel. He is set to become the outright record holder and earn his 97th cap on Wednesday.

​Iwobi’s composure and creativity have made him a fan favorite in Morocco, with his ability to control the tempo helping Nigeria maintain the upper hand throughout the tournament.