Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi held an extensive and informative press conference on Wednesday night ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final against hosts Morocco.
Speaking alongside head coach Eric Schell, the Fulham star talked about everything from the mindset of the Nigeria squad, team cohesion, travel fatigue and injuries, to his personal form, criticism, leadership role and even his much talked about AFCON YouTube diary.
“This is a big game, a semi-final” – Alex Iwobi
Iwobi began by emphasizing the magnitude of the matchup, stressing that Nigeria are well aware of the challenge posed by Morocco after their 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals.
“No, this is an important game, a semi-final. We played the last game against Algeria. It was a good game for us and now it’s a big game against a big team.”
He explained that preparations are still continuing, with a final training session scheduled to take place before the match.
“Today is our last practice, so we’re going to take it easy on this game. We’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
Respect for opponents and excitement for the challenge
Iwobi echoed the coach’s message of respecting all opponents and made it clear that Nigeria did not take Morocco lightly.
“The coach told us that we did well against Algeria. We respect every opponent. Algeria did very well too, but now we are excited about tomorrow’s challenge.”
“We’ll prepare and hope we’ll be ready for the game.”
Iwobi talks about Ndidi’s absence and confidence in the team
Although Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semi-finals, Iwobi is confident in the players who are ready to take part and backs the strength and depth of the Super Eagles squad.
“It’s a shame because he brings so much to the team, but we are a group.”
“We have some players, very good players, on the pitch waiting to make changes that will give us something.”
“So I’m very confident about that.”
Iwobi talks about what makes this AFCON different
Iwobi, who has represented Nigeria for over a decade, was asked what makes AFCON 2025 special for him. His answer was firmly focused on unity and unity.
Looking back on past tournaments, he pointed out the team’s growth and maturity.
“For me, I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other.”
“We have performed very well in the past AFCONs. The team was very strong, but at the same time we were young and learning about each other.”
“I feel like everyone is in their prime right now. Everyone is being respectful and working hard for their club.”
He added:
“You can see the joy and the chemistry that we have. When we’re playing for our country, it’s not just on the field, it’s off the pitch as well.”
“There’s a big togetherness. There’s a big family. It starts not only with the players but also with the coaches.”
“On the pitch, you can see us fighting for each other, and I feel like that brings out the best in not only me, but all the players.”
World Cup Qualifier vs AFCON
Referring to comparisons between Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying struggles and the resurgence of AFCON, Iwobi dismissed the idea that the mentality has changed.
“I think we always gave 100%, whether it was World Cup qualifying or AFCON.”
He explained that past disappointments served as fuel rather than setbacks.
“We used this disappointment as motivation to achieve something for our country, for ourselves and for our families.”
“I can’t say exactly what’s different. I just know that we have the same mindset, the same mentality, the same application.”
“Our attitude in World Cup qualifying will be the same in AFCON.”
Form, leadership, and the silencing of critics
Despite his outstanding performance in this tournament, Iwobi remained flat-footed, insisting that his team’s success came first.
“I don’t really look online to find out what’s going on. I leave that up to the team.”
“I have received feedback from my loved ones, friends, family and staff that I am doing very well.”
“It’s nice to be recognized, but I’m just focused on helping the team win.”
Speaking about having played multiple roles throughout his career, he added:
“One thing about me is that I always try my best no matter what.”
“Ola Aina is a big failure” – Alex Iwobi talks about Aina’s absence
Iwobi admitted he was missing his good friend Ola Aina, but praised the defender for stepping up.
“Ola is a huge failure. He is a great person on and off the pitch and we know how much quality he has. ”
“at the same time, Our right-backs, Bright and Ryan, are doing so well that it’s like we’re not doing anything. I missed Ola. ”
“Of course Ola is a very good player, but at the same time so are Bright and Ryan.”
“We have a quality right-back and a quality defender, that’s what’s great about us. Nigeria. “
“Even if we’re missing one player, we’ve got quality players in different positions. Of course, Ola is one of my best friends in football, so I miss him too. ”
He revealed that Aina is in constant contact with the team.
“He sends me messages and we keep in touch. All that matters now is that he’s back. He plays for his club team and we support him too.”
“He also sent us a message And I said, “I hope it goes well.”
“Obviously we miss him, but he’s still with us in spirit.”
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“There are no excuses” – Alex Iwobi Travel fatigue
Iwobi highlighted Nigeria’s demanding travel schedule across Morocco.
Of course, the travel we do is very taxing on our bodies, butBut we are professional soccer players.
“We can’t use travel as an excuse. We have to adapt to the situation.”situation. This is one of the things we have at camp and the message we always say.Regardless of your physical condition, you need to make sure you are mentally ready. ”
“Coaches always tell us that. It’s about our state of mind. of course,If we are 100 percent, we give 100. ”
“If we’re 80 percent, we’ll give 80 percent. We definitely will.”It means doing our best no matter how we feel. ”
“Of course, this can also be called travel and accommodation.” That’s true, but one thing about us is that we don’t use it as an excuse and always go out and take action.We will do our best no matter what. ”
AFCON YouTube Diary: “It’s not a distraction.”
Iwobi also mentioned the popular AFCON YouTube diary that has won the hearts of Nigerian fans.
“Honestly, on my YouTube I use this as a platform to take control of my own narrative and of course introduce the people that everyone wants. To see the football side of things, but at the same time we’re all human beings. ”
“They’ll say they have to We’re trying to show that if we don’t focus on football, we can’t survive, but we’re just like everyone else. here. “
“Of course we want to enjoy it, but on the pitch we will go to battle, we are ready.” We’re fighting for each other, and I can show you through my YouTube that there are a lot of characters. Lots of personality. ”
“In the AFCON diary, Troost Ekong was doing that, of course.” Previously he gave us a lot of insight into what everyone is like. ”
“You could almost say I am.” It continues the same legacy, but I put a little bit of my own spin on it. I enjoy YouTube, but I hope everyone enjoys it and it gives you an idea of what Nigeria is really like. ”
He dismissed claims of distraction.
“The players, I’m having fun, my coach has given me permission to do it, he’s having fun, but one thing. As for us, of course they’ll say it’s distracting, distracting, but when we’re on the pitch; It’s not a distraction at all because we’re ready to fight. ”
