Iwobi: Nigeria’s Afcon ambition bigger than club football

Alex Iwobi says winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations would be one of the most meaningful achievements the current Nigeria squad could deliver, insisting that representing his country carries a significance beyond his commitment to Fulham.

The midfielder believes the Super Eagles have the quality to challenge any international side if they combine confidence, determination and a willingness to give everything on the pitch.

Iwobi was speaking to Channels Television as Nigeria continued their qualification campaign and prepared for a second meeting with Tanzania. The Super Eagles revived their hopes of reaching the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Nigeria will travel to Zanzibar on Tuesday seeking another positive result as they pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Fulham player said the squad was united in its desire to represent Nigeria successfully and build on the home win.

“We really want to get to the qualification. We want to go to the next one. We want to prove a point to ourselves to the nation. So everybody’s eager and everybody wants to achieve,” he told Channels TV.

“So we were able to get a result against Tanzania at home. Hopefully we can do the same thing away.”

Iwobi said lifting the Afcon trophy would be a major way for the players to repay the country, with their motivation extending to their families, team-mates, coaches and supporters across Nigeria.

“Of course, for ourselves first, for our families, our the teammates, our brothers, staff, the nation. We want to win and I think that’s the biggest thing you can give back to Nigeria,” he added.

“So, that’s the aim. No, there’s no reason, there’s nothing holding us back apart from ourselves. We’re the only ones that can put ourselves down against any other team.”

Although he recognised the FIFA World Cup as international football’s biggest competition, Iwobi said Nigeria’s near misses in the Africa Cup of Nations had made success in that tournament especially important.

“So, as long as we give 100%, we have that belief that we can beat any team,” he said.

“No, of course the biggest competition in the world is the World Cup, but because we were so close so many times with the African Cup Nations, I think that’ll be a big trophy to win. Of course, a nation’s always going to be bigger than a club, no matter how big the club is.”

Iwobi added that he had affection for both Fulham and Nigeria, but his upbringing made international football uniquely personal.

“I’ve got love for both of them, for Fulham and for Nigeria. But of course, I grew up in a Nigerian household. I grew up with Nigerian family, Nigerian parents. So I think it’s always going to be different and more special when you play for your country,” he concluded.