RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi is enjoying his moment at the African Cup of Nations after helping his team reach the semi-finals with a crucial pass to the team’s star forward.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Eiko Adams all improved with Iwobi’s contributions.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has produced more line-breaking passes than any other player in the knockout stages and has emerged as the driving force behind the Super Eagles’ success so far.
“I don’t know exactly what it is. I just submit the same application, but I think it’s nice to be recognized for the way I do things,” Iwobi said on Tuesday, the day before Nigeria’s semi-final against hosts Morocco.
“I’m just focused on what the team is trying to win. Of course, throughout my career I’ve been asked to play different roles, different positions, but the one thing I can say about me is that I always do my best no matter what.”
The nephew of the great Nigerian player Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi was always destined to follow in the footsteps of his famous uncle in the national team. Born in Lagos, he moved to London at an early age and played for England’s youth teams before moving to Nigeria in 2015.
Expectations are always high and there are always disappointments. Iwobi faced severe criticism after Nigeria lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup final, and the Super Eagles also missed out on the World Cup. Lost to Congo in penalty shootout In the playoffs.
Nigeria’s performance in Morocco helped restore some pride, especially in the way the team played. No other team has ever scored as many goals as Nigeria, with 14 goals.
Algeria had the best defensive performance in the tournament, but it was of no use in Saturday’s quarterfinals. Nigeria wins 2-0 And they should have scored more, as they missed two good chances in addition to the goal Adams scored.
Iwobi credits the good atmosphere at the team camp for their success. Anxiety about bonuses Nevertheless, Lookman and Osimhen clashed on the field.
“I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood and the family environment that we’ve created for each other,” Iwobi said.
“In previous AFCONs, we performed very well and the team was very strong, but at the same time the team was young and learning about each other,” he added. “Everyone is in their prime right now, everyone is respecting their club and doing well, and you can see the joy and chemistry when we play for our country.”
Iwobi credited coach Eric Schell for helping foster a family feeling within the team.
“I feel like it brings out the best in not only me but all the players,” Iwobi said.
Nigeria will face Morocco without team captain Wilfred Ndiki, who has been suspended for accumulating yellow cards. Coach Cheru said he is not worried as they have the players to replace Ndiki.
“It’s just a matter of making a choice between some players and everything will fall into place,” Shell said.
Iwobi will definitely start. Schell praised his intelligence on the field.
“Some players just want to play soccer. They want to have fun on the field. They want to play with other soccer players, people who smell soccer, people who feel soccer. Alex is that kind of player,” Schell said.
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Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
