Iwobi Sets AFCON Record as Super Eagles Target Third Place Finish
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has etched his name into the record books ahead of Nigeria’s third-place clash against Egypt at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to OptaJoe, the Fulham star has recorded the most line-breaking passes at the tournament, with his deliveries directly leading to 13 shots and four goals for the Super Eagles. Iwobi has also dominated the knockout rounds statistically, completing a competition-high 44 total line-breaking passes at that stage.
The numbers underline the 29-year-old’s influence in Nigeria’s midfield throughout the competition. From dictating tempo to unlocking stubborn defences, Iwobi has been a central figure in Eric Chelle’s tactical setup, often serving as the link between midfield and attack.
Despite his impressive individual display, Iwobi and the Super Eagles fell short in the semi-final against hosts Morocco, losing 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw on Wednesday night. Still, his creative output remained one of Nigeria’s brightest positives from the encounter.
Now, with a third-place playoff against Egypt on the horizon, Iwobi will be keen to cap his strong AFCON campaign with a victory and a podium finish for Nigeria.
Opinion: The Engine Nigeria Can’t Ignore
Iwobi’s record-breaking numbers tell a story that goes beyond raw statistics. In a tournament often decided by fine margins, his ability to break defensive lines has been Nigeria’s most consistent attacking weapon. While goals tend to steal the headlines, creativity like this is what sustains a team deep into competitions.
Against Egypt, the Super Eagles’ chances of finishing strong may well depend on how effectively Iwobi is allowed to dictate play. If he finds rhythm early and gets support from runners ahead of him, Nigeria have every reason to believe they can end the tournament on a high.
Win or lose, this AFCON has once again shown that Alex Iwobi is not just a supporting act—but a true midfield leader for the Super Eagles.
