Iwobi: I’ll Choose Nigeria Over Fulham to Chase AFCON Glory

Alex Iwobi has made it clear: when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco this December, he’ll be wearing green and white—not Fulham’s black and white.

In a candid interview with The Guardian, the Nigerian midfielder confirmed his unwavering commitment to representing the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025, even though the tournament clashes directly with the Premier League calendar. Fulham, his current club, will be without one of their most influential players for nearly a month, but Iwobi insists the decision is non-negotiable.

‘It’s not nice for us [to have to choose between AFCON and our clubs], but with all due respect to Fulham, I would like to go to the AFCON,’ Iwobi said.

The 29-year-old, who turns 30 next May, is entering a pivotal phase of his career. After a standout season in which he played every Premier League match, scored nine goals, and provided six assists, Iwobi is determined to make a lasting mark—both at club level and on the international stage.

His ambition to win AFCON is deeply personal. Iwobi hopes to emulate his legendary uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, who dazzled fans across Africa and helped Nigeria lift the trophy in 1994.

‘I want to go to AFCON and win it like my uncle did,’ Iwobi said. ‘It’s about legacy now. I’m no longer a young kid—I want to make a big statement.’

Iwobi’s leadership off the pitch is just as impactful. Through his Project 17 initiative, he continues to raise awareness for health issues affecting the Black community, including blood and stem cell disorders. His annual charity tournament, which partners with the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), has become a platform for both football and education.

As Nigeria prepares for AFCON 2025, Iwobi’s decision sends a powerful message: for him, national pride and legacy outweigh club convenience. And with the Super Eagles hungry to reclaim continental glory after finishing runners-up in 2023, Iwobi’s experience and fire could be the difference.