Iwobi credits Super Eagles’ resurgence to unity and brotherhood

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has attributed Nigeria’s impressive run at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a strong sense of unity, brotherhood and collective determination within the team, following their disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Nigeria’s highly anticipated semi-final clash against Morocco, Iwobi stressed that the harmonious atmosphere in the Super Eagles camp has been central to their success in Morocco.

“For me, I feel it is the family environment we have created, the brotherhood within the team,” Iwobi said.

“Everyone cares about how the other feels, we are united and all pushing in the same direction to make sure we succeed on the pitch.”

The Fulham midfielder explained that the foundations of the Super Eagles’ current form were laid during the 2023 AFCON, where Nigeria reached the final with a relatively young squad.

According to him, the experience gained from that tournament has paid off, as many players are now entering their peak years.

“From the previous AFCON where we performed very well, we were a bit young, but you realize now everyone is entering their prime and performing well both at club level and with the national team,” Iwobi noted.

Iwobi also revealed that the painful failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has served as extra motivation for the team at this year’s AFCON.

Rather than allowing the disappointment to define them, the players have channelled it into renewed hunger and focus.

“I feel like everybody has this task ahead that we want to win every game,” he added.

“Obviously, we wanted to qualify for the World Cup but it did not happen, and we are trying to use that disappointment as a push factor for ourselves and our country.”

The Super Eagles have been one of the standout teams of AFCON 2025, showing resilience, tactical discipline and attacking flair as they chase a fourth continental title.

With a place in the final at stake against a formidable Moroccan side, Iwobi’s comments underline a squad driven not only by talent, but by unity, maturity and a shared desire to restore pride to Nigerian football.