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AFCON 2025: Alex Iwobi Warns Super Eagles Against Complacency as Knockout Test Looms
With the group stage dust settled and the stakes sharply raised, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are bracing for the unforgiving realities of knockout football at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite cruising through the group phase with a flawless record of three wins from three matches, Alex Iwobi has issued a clear warning to fans and teammates alike: standards must not drop and intensity must not fade.
Nigeria topped their group with maximum points, but the midfielder insists past results will count for little once the Round of 16 begins. The margins are tighter, the pressure heavier, and complacency, he warns, can be fatal.
“Of course, we have got three wins out of three games. We cannot get complacent, but I am enjoying my time here,” Iwobi told Ademola Victor TV, striking a balance between satisfaction and caution.
The former Arsenal academy graduate has been central to Nigeria’s momentum at the tournament. In the group-stage opener against Tanzania, Iwobi delivered two assists, dictating the tempo and unlocking defences as the three-time African champions claimed a 2–1 victory. Against Tunisia, his intelligence between the lines again proved decisive, as a slick passing sequence involving Iwobi ended with Ademola Lookman firing home Nigeria’s third goal.
That blend of control, creativity, and discipline has underpinned Nigeria’s campaign so far, but Iwobi insists the Super Eagles must now reset mentally ahead of the knockout rounds.
“The same thing we got in the group stage. We are going to give a hundred per cent and try to do our nation proud,” he added.
Beyond individual brilliance, Nigeria’s squad depth has emerged as one of the defining narratives of their AFCON journey. Rotations against Uganda did little to disrupt rhythm, as fringe players stepped up and delivered, reinforcing belief within the camp.
Day-one man of the match Semi Ajayi echoed that confidence, highlighting the collective progress made so far.
“A really, really good start for the group stages and now we’re looking forward to the knockout round,” Ajayi said.
On the impact of competition for places, the defender was equally emphatic.
“It’s really, really good. It shows the strength and depth that we have. We were able to give some debuts to new players and also some players who hadn’t had minutes yet in this tournament.
“Everyone did really, really well. So yeah, it’s really good for the team.”
Ajayi also allayed any fitness concerns ahead of the decisive phase.
“I feel great. I’m really raring to go and looking forward to it.”
Nigeria’s reward for topping their group is a Round of 16 showdown with the Mozambique Mambas, a side that has already shown resilience and ambition in Morocco. The encounter is scheduled for Monday, January 5, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
For the Super Eagles, this is where reputation meets responsibility. Momentum has been built and confidence restored, but as Iwobi’s warning makes clear, AFCON knockout football offers no guarantees—only stern tests of nerve, hunger, and legacy.
