In a surprising declaration that has shifted the spotlight from Nigeria's prolific forwards, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has identified Alex Iwobi as the team's most crucial player at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle's Bold Midfield Verdict
Speaking after Nigeria's commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16, Chelle singled out the 29-year-old Fulham midfielder for special praise. Despite the goal-scoring exploits of Victor Osimhen and the creative flair of Ademola Lookman, Chelle positioned Iwobi as the indispensable tactical core of the squad.
"You know, there are some players, they smell football. This guy, Iwobi, he has a big IQ for football. He sees the game before the other players and technically, he's very good," Chelle stated at his post-match press conference in Fes. He further emphasized, "Since the AFCON started, we see that this guy is a very good player. Actually, he is like the team."
The Engine Room Masterclass Against Mozambique
The Round of 16 clash served as the perfect showcase for Iwobi's understated genius. Operating in midfield alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, Iwobi was the chief architect of Nigeria's dominance.
He masterfully dictated the tempo, recycled possession, and consistently found pockets of space to dismantle Mozambique's defensive structure. Iwobi's intelligence was pivotal in the build-up to Nigeria's first two goals, proving that his influence extends far beyond the traditional metrics of goals and assists.
While Lookman earned the official Man of the Match award with a goal and two assists, and Osimhen netted a brace, it was Iwobi's foundational work that enabled their success. His performance underlined why he has been one of the tournament's standout playmakers, having already provided two assists in the group stage victory over Tanzania.
Nigeria Hits Form Ahead of Quarter-Final Clash
The comprehensive win did more than just secure a quarter-final berth; it signaled that the Super Eagles are peaking at the ideal moment. The team registered its first clean sheet of the tournament and displayed a cohesive, balanced style that makes them genuine title contenders.
With Iwobi providing the strategic glue, Nigeria appears to have found the perfect equilibrium between defensive solidity and attacking threat. The Super Eagles will now carry this momentum into their quarter-final match against Algeria in Marrakech on Sunday, January 10.
Chelle's endorsement of Iwobi is a powerful reminder that football's most vital contributions are not always the most glamorous. As Nigeria prepares for its knockout test, the quiet efficiency of its midfield metronome may well be the key to unlocking African football's ultimate prize.
