The Fulham midfielder spoke with emotion as the Super Eagles prepare for a blockbuster semi-final against hosts Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria have been the standout side of the tournament, winning all five matches, scoring a competition-high 14 goals and conceding just four. It is already the most prolific AFCON campaign in the country’s history, eclipsing the 12 goals scored at the 2000 edition.
Victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique and Algeria have carried the Super Eagles into the last four as firm title contenders.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Alex Iwobi said the team’s success has been built on brotherhood and shared purpose.
“For me, I feel it is the family environment we have created, the brotherhood within the team. Everyone cares about how the other feels, we are united and all pushing in the same direction to make sure we succeed on pitch,” he said.
The Fulham midfielder has been central to Nigeria’s dominance in midfield, dictating tempo and playing a role in the build-up to almost every goal.
Among fans, he has been widely praised as the team’s leading pre-assist provider, with his calmness and intelligence helping Nigeria control games with growing maturity.
Iwobi believes the roots of the current success stretch back to the previous tournament, when Nigeria reached the final with a relatively young squad.
“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,” he said.
He also admitted that the pain of failing to qualify for the World Cup has sharpened the team’s focus in Morocco.
“I feel like everybody has this task ahead that we want to win every game,” he said. “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.”
Away from the pitch, Iwobi has been giving fans a glimpse into life inside the camp through video diaries on his YouTube channel. He said the aim was to show the human side of the players and strengthen the bond within the group.
“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.
“There are 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. I hope everyone out there is enjoying the content.”
The former Everton man also praised the role of the coaching staff in creating a close-knit environment.
“There is a big family. It starts from the coach and the players as well. He has brought that brotherhood and it’s nice because we are one big family,” he said.
“And you can see on the pitch because we fight for each other. I feel like that’s bringing the best not just in me but all the players.”
Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday evening, with the winner booking a place in Sunday’s final. The other semi-final will see Senegal take on Egypt.
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/13/alex-iwobi-reveals-why-super-eagles-are-flying-at-afcon-2025/