Iwobi’s insights come as Nigeria prepares for a highly anticipated semifinal showdown against tournament hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium this Wednesday.
A Record-Breaking Campaign
The Super Eagles have emerged as the tournament’s most convincing team, achieving a historic five consecutive victories while scoring a competition-high 14 goals. This offensive output has set a new Nigerian record for goals scored in a single AFCON campaign.
Their path to the semifinals included wins over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, establishing them as clear title contenders.
The Foundation: A Family Environment
During the pre-match press conference, Iwobi emphasized that the team’s success stems less from tactical nuances and more from the powerful bonds formed within the squad.
“For me I feel it is the family environment we have created, the brotherhood within the team,” Iwobi stated. “Everyone cares about how the other feels, we are united and all pushing in the same direction to make sure we succeed on the pitch.”
The midfielder has been a central figure in Nigeria’s engine room, contributing to a blend of attacking flair and increasing maturity in their performances throughout the tournament.
Alex Iwobi’s Role in Team Unity
Growth From Previous Experience
Iwobi believes the current team’s cohesion and success are built upon the experience gained during the previous AFCON, where a younger Nigerian squad reached the final.
“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.”
This growth is reflected in their historic offensive numbers, with their 14 goals in Morocco already surpassing the 12 scored during Nigeria’s previously most prolific campaign in 2000.
World Cup Disappointment Fuels Hunger
Iwobi also revealed that the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a significant motivating factor, transforming disappointment into a driving force for their AFCON campaign.
Using Setback as Motivation
The missed World Cup opportunity has created a unified sense of purpose within the squad.
“I feel like everybody has this task ahead that we want to win every game,” Iwobi explained. “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.”
This collective resolve has been evident in Nigeria’s determined performances, showcasing a team playing with both passion and a point to prove.
Showing the Human Side of the Squad
Beyond the pitch, Iwobi has been sharing behind-the-scenes moments from Nigeria’s camp through video diaries on his YouTube channel. He described this project as an effort to present the squad’s authentic character and strengthen internal bonds.
“My intention was to control my narrative because obviously everyone sees the football side but I’m trying to show that we are equally human, we have the fun side,” he said.
He highlighted the balance between camaraderie and competitiveness that defines the group.
“There is a lot of characters, lots of personalities but when we go to the pitch, we go for war, we fight and make sure we give our best.”
A Semifinal Against History
Nigeria now faces its toughest challenge yet: a semifinal against host nation Morocco in Rabat. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final, where either Senegal or Egypt awaits.
The Super Eagles enter this clash not only with tactical preparedness and individual talent, but with the intangible strength of a united brotherhood—a factor Iwobi believes could make the decisive difference in their quest for a fourth AFCON title.