Iwobi Finally Steps Out of Okocha’s Shadow to lead Nigeria’s Midfield at AFCON 2025
As Nigeria march toward the semifinal of theAfrica Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, one player has emerged as the heartbeat of their attacking engine: Alex Iwobi.
With every intelligent run and incisive pass, the midfielder has shown that he is no longer simply following in the footsteps of his famous uncle, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, but carving out his own legacy in Super Eagles history.
Iwobi’s influence has been unmistakable throughout the tournament. His vision, movement, and timing have consistently dismantled opposition defenses, while his precise passing has powered Nigeria’s explosive front line of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.
Lookman has already produced three goals and four assists, Osimhen four goals and two assists, and Adams two goals and two assists, all fed by Iwobi’s creative supply line.
Beyond the final pass, according to CAF official website, Iwobi has delivered more pre-assists than any other player, and his 46 line-breaking passes are the most at AFCON 2025, unlocking defenses with a clarity few others possess.
His impact extends beyond this tournament. In the quarter-final victory over Algeria, the former Arsenal man equalled the record for most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder, joining Okocha, Muda Lawal, and John Obi Mikel on 22 matches.
Should he feature in Wednesday’s semi-final against hosts Morocco in Rabat, he will set a new benchmark with 23 appearances across four AFCON editions, a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level.
Nigeria’s campaign has already been historic, with 14 goals scored to take their all-time AFCON tally to 158. With Iwobi orchestrating play, the Super Eagles could reach 160 goals in tournament history, further underlining the significance of this run.
He has been more than a facilitator; he has been the launchpad, propelling Nigeria into decisive positions and ensuring their attack remains relentless.
Comparisons to Okocha are inevitable. Both possess elegance, technical mastery, and the ability to unlock defenses. Yet where Okocha dazzled with improvisation, Iwobi blends flair with strategic intelligence.
His passes are calculated, his runs precise, and his timing impeccable. He is a leader without theatrics, a conductor who dictates tempo and manages space, ensuring Nigeria remain a constant threat even against the most organized opponents.
As Nigeria prepare for their 110th AFCON match, the spotlight is firmly on Iwobi. His involvement in most of Nigeria’s goals at this tournament highlights his central role in a record-breaking, attack-minded side.
Whatever the outcome against Morocco, his performances in 2025 will be remembered as one of the finest midfield campaigns in recent AFCON history.
For years, he was known as Jay-Jay Okocha’s nephew. In 2025, Alex Iwobi has stepped into his own era, Nigeria’s midfield propeller, a record-setter, and a creator writing his own chapter in Super Eagles history under coach Eric Sékou Chelle.
This article, now reworked, originally appeared on CAF website
