Iwobi Calls Afcon a Unique Celebration of African Football

Mon Dec 22 2025 08:19:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi shares his perspectives on the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), underscoring its significance beyond just a football tournament.

Alex Iwobi emphasizes the cultural richness and unity fostered through the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which features 24 teams vying for the title. Representing Nigeria, he reflects on their recent disappointments and expresses hope for redemption in the competition, celebrating African identities through music and football. He calls for greater respect for the tournament in the global football landscape.

Highly regarded for his performances in the Premier League, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi is gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which he describes as a special tournament. The upcoming competition will showcase 24 teams battling for the continental championship across several weeks.

Representing Nigeria, Iwobi is particularly motivated to help his nation reclaim the title after their narrow 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the previous edition. He conveys to BBC Newsbeat the unique experience Afcon offers, stating, With Afcon, you get to celebrate Africa through football, emphasizing the cultural connections formed among various nations.

He elaborates on the joy of seeing different cultures on display and how teams, including Nigeria, celebrate their heritage through music and traditions in the changing rooms.

Following Nigeria's disappointing absence from two consecutive World Cups, Iwobi is adamant that the team is determined to make an impact at Afcon. We owe it to ourselves to make it right, he asserts, as they aim to channel their past disappointments into a driving force for success in Morocco.

Historically, Nigeria has won the tournament three times, last achieving victory in 2013. The memories of their recent close loss linger for Iwobi, who describes it as shattering but acknowledges the resilience developed from such experiences. He expresses admiration for Ivory Coast's striker Sébastien Haller, who scored the decisive goal after overcoming testicular cancer, saying, It was a tough loss, but credit is due; they deserved it.

Iwobi, who was born in Lagos but raised in London, began his international career representing England before committing to Nigeria in 2015. With 91 caps, he stands as one of the most capped players in Nigerian football history. He advocates for broader recognition of the Afcon, asserting it deserves more respect within the global football community.

If Nigeria triumphs in the tournament, Iwobi imagines the overwhelming joy it would bring his family and community, stating that winning would feel like becoming royalty. Just going to the final, we were treated like royalty anyway, he reminisces, eager to share that potential glory with his loved ones.