Alex Iwobi Urges Super Eagles To Stay Focused Ahead Of Mozambique Clash

Alex Iwobi Urges Super Eagles To Stay Focused Ahead Of Mozambique Clash
Nigeria topped Group C with nine points and eight goals scored.
Iwobi has been pivotal, assisting three goals in first two matches.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has warned that Nigeria must remain sharp when they face Mozambique in Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16, stressing that past performances will count for nothing in the knockout stage.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Super Eagles stormed through the group stage with a perfect nine points, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda to finish top of Group C. This dominant run sets up a last-16 encounter with Mozambique, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, earning just three points in the group stage.

On paper, the fixture seems heavily in Nigeria’s favour. Mozambique’s only group victory was a 3‑2 comeback win over Gabon, while defeats to Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire highlighted their struggles. However, Iwobi believes the numbers only tell part of the story and warned against complacency.

“We have got three wins in our three games in the group stage, but we can’t get complacent. We are going to give 100 per cent and try to do our nation proud,” Iwobi told Ademola Victor TV ahead of the clash in Fès, Morocco.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the tournament, orchestrating play from midfield as the Super Eagles built momentum. His influence was particularly clear in the 2‑1 win over Tanzania, where he assisted Semi Ajayi’s opener and Ademola Lookman’s decisive strike, becoming only the second Nigerian since 2010 to register two assists in a single AFCON match.

Iwobi continued his fine form in the thrilling 3‑2 win against Tunisia, completing 51 accurate passes from 59 attempts and contributing to the build-up of Nigeria’s third goal.

Currently playing for Fulham, Iwobi is the most-capped player in the current Super Eagles squad with 93 international appearances and is featuring in his third AFCON tournament.

Nigeria, winners in 1980, 1994, and 2013, are chasing a fourth continental crown at AFCON 2025. The team’s blend of attacking prowess and midfield creativity, led by Iwobi, gives them the tools to navigate the knockout rounds successfully. Yet, as Iwobi notes, focus and discipline will be key to advancing further.