Okocha’s legacy lives on: Iwobi leads Nigeria’s midfield in AFCON 2025
As Nigeria march toward the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semifinal final, one player has quietly become the heartbeat of their attacking engine: Alex Iwobi.
With every intelligent run and incisive pass, Iwobi has showcased why he is not just following in the footsteps of his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, but forging his own legacy in Super Eagles history.
The mastermind behind Nigeria’s attacking brilliance
Iwobi’s authority has been evident throughout the tournament in his vision, movement, and timing, consistently dismantling opposition defensive lines.
His precise passes and creative orchestration have fueled Nigeria’s explosive attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.
The numbers tell the story: Lookman has already contributed three goals and four assists, Osimhen four goals and two assists, and Adams two goals and two assists — all beneficiaries of Iwobi’s supply line.
Beyond the final assist, Iwobi has also produced the highest number of pre-assists in the tournament, highlighting his critical role in the phases leading to goals.
With 46 line-breaking passes, the most at AFCON 2025, he has consistently unlocked tight defenses and created opportunities that others simply could not see.
In a tournament where goals often decide the fine margins, Iwobi has been Nigeria’s engine, orchestrating both rhythm and tempo.
Record-equalling longevity
Iwobi’s influence is not limited to this tournament alone.
During Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Algeria, the former Arsenal man equalled a long-standing record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder, joining Austin Okocha, Muda Lawal, and John Obi Mikel with 22 matches each.
Should he feature in Nigeria’s semi-final against hosts Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat, Iwobi would claim the record outright, reaching 23 appearances across four AFCON tournaments.
It is a milestone that underscores not only his quality but also his consistency and longevity at the highest level of African football.
A historic campaign
Nigeria’s success this year has also been record-breaking.
The Super Eagles have already netted 14 goals in the competition, taking their all-time AFCON tally to 158.
With Iwobi expected to continue playing a pivotal role in Morocco, the team has the chance to reach 160 goals in tournament history, further cementing the significance of this campaign.
Iwobi is not just a facilitator; he is a catapult, launching the Eagles into decisive positions and supplying the final ball that consistently leads to goals.
Echoes of Okocha, a player of his own era
The comparisons to Jay-Jay Okocha are unavoidable. Both possess elegance, technical mastery, and an eye for unlocking defenses.
Yet where Okocha dazzled with improvisation, Iwobi combines flair with strategic intelligence — blending creativity with structural awareness. His runs are calculated, his passes precise, and his timing impeccable.
This version of Iwobi is a leader without shouting, a midfield conductor whose influence extends far beyond the stat sheet.
He manages space, dictates tempo, and ensures Nigeria remain a constant threat, even against well-organized opponents.
Stepping into the semi-final spotlight
As Nigeria prepare for their 110th AFCON match against Morocco, the spotlight is firmly on Iwobi to continue driving the team forward.
His involvement in most of Nigeria’s goals at this tournament underlines how central he has become, not just as a creator, but as the linchpin of a record-breaking, attack-minded Super Eagles side.
Whether Nigeria reach the final or not, Iwobi’s performance in Morocco will be remembered as one of the finest midfield campaigns in recent African Cup history.
For years, he was Jay-Jay Okocha’s nephew. In 2025, Alex Iwobi is Nigeria’s midfield propeller, a record-setter, and a creator — writing his own chapter in Super Eagles history under coach Eric Sékou Chelle.