Fulham midfielder’s tactical mastery earns praise as Nigeria storms into quarter-finals.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has highlighted the tactical intelligence of midfielder Alex Iwobi following Nigeria’s commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The praise comes as the Super Eagles march confidently into the quarter-finals of the continent’s premier football championship.
While goals from Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed headlines, it was Iwobi’s footballing intelligence and positional awareness that drew special commendation from Chelle — who described the Fulham midfielder’s performance as a defining factor in Nigeria’s overall control and rhythm of the match.
Chelle on Iwobi: More Than Just Technical Ability
Speaking after Nigeria’s comprehensive win in Fès, Chelle pointed to Iwobi’s ability to “see the game before other players”, praising the 29-year-old’s tactical nous and technical quality. The coach emphasised that intelligence on the pitch — not just physical skill sets players apart in high-stakes games like AFCON knockout matches.
Chelle said:
“I’ve been very happy with Alex Iwobi’s level of intelligence. He sees the game before other players and puts us in the best positions. It is not always about physicality; sometimes it is about understanding the game at a high level.”
Iwobi’s influence was particularly evident in Nigeria’s swift transitions and build-ups, where his ability to spot gaps, deliver incisive passes and control the tempo helped unlock Mozambique’s defence long before the goals were scored. His tactical importance was praised not just by Chelle but also by analysts and former national players who see him as Nigeria’s quiet engine.
Nigeria’s Dominant AFCON 2025 Display
The Super Eagles’ 4–0 win was historic. It marked one of Nigeria’s biggest winning margins at AFCON and secured their place in the quarter-finals, where they are now set to face Algeria.
Chelle, while pleased with the result, also urged his squad to remain focused and not be carried away by success, stressing that maintaining intensity in training and match play will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
For a Super Eagles team targeting its fourth AFCON title, Iwobi’s form adds a layer of tactical intelligence that could prove decisive in tougher matches ahead. His ability to control the tempo, link defence with attack, and make smart decisions under pressure gives Nigeria a strategic advantage — particularly in the knockout stages where games are often won through clever footballing choices rather than pure physicality.
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