Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has delivered a bold and clear message ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign in Morocco, insisting that the only real sign of progress for the national team is to go one step further and win the tournament outright.
Iwobi, who played a key role during Nigeria’s run to the final in the last edition in the Ivory Coast, said finishing second again is not an option for a team with Nigeria’s quality, pedigree, and expectations.
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“The only way we can improve from the last AFCON is to win it. That has to be our target,” he declared.
The midfielder stressed that the Super Eagles have matured since the last tournament and now have a squad capable of challenging any team on the continent. He said the group must enter the competition with confidence and belief, not fear or excuses.
“We have the quality and we have the belief. Now we must go to Morocco and prove it on the pitch,” he stated.
Iwobi highlighted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup has made AFCON even more important, explaining that winning the trophy would help restore joy and pride to fans still hurting from the disappointment.
“Nigerians deserve something to celebrate. Winning AFCON can lift the whole nation again,” he added.
He also encouraged the players to approach the tournament with greater focus, intensity, and unity, noting that AFCON is unpredictable and unforgiving.
“It’s a tough competition. Every match matters. We have to stay locked in and give everything from the group stage to the end,” he said.
Iwobi expressed full confidence in the squad’s chemistry and the coaching staff’s direction, insisting that Nigeria has all the tools required to challenge the continent’s best.
He ended with a determined message that reflects the mood inside the camp: “We came close last time. Now it’s time to finish the job.”
