AFCON 2025: Iwobi dominates midfield, matches Okocha, Mikel records

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has been one of Nigeria’s best performers at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Opta statistics, Iwobi has made more passes that broke through opponents’ defensive lines than any other player in the tournament so far.

During the knockout stage, he completed 36 line breaking passes, the highest at this level of the competition.

He made 22 of those passes in Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique and added 14 more in the quarter final victory over Algeria.

Iwobi featured in Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique, where his passing from midfield helped the team move the ball smoothly through the centre of the pitch. His performance played a key role in helping the Super Eagles reach the quarter final stage.

Earlier in the tournament, the Fulham midfielder also provided two assists in Nigeria’s opening group match against Tanzania.

Against Algeria, Iwobi reached an important milestone by equalling a long standing Nigerian record. He now shares the record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder with football greats Austin Okocha, Muda Lawal and John Obi Mikel. Each of them has played 22 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Iwobi is close to breaking the record. If he features in Nigeria’s semi final match against Morocco, he will reach 23 AFCON appearances, becoming the outright record holder.

So far, Iwobi has played seven matches at AFCON 2019, four matches at AFCON 2021, seven matches at AFCON 2023, and four matches at AFCON 2025.

His consistent performances continue to underline his importance to the Super Eagles as they chase continental glory.