Midfield maestro Alex Iwobi will reach a significant personal landmark this Wednesday evening when he earns his 97th international cap for Nigeria in their high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco. The Fulham playmaker has established himself as a vital component of the Super Eagles’ campaign in North Africa, consistently driving the team’s creative phases.
As Nigeria prepares for the 9:00 PM kickoff in Rabat, Iwobi sits on the verge of entering the elite tier of the nation’s most decorated players, requiring only five more appearances to join the prestigious century club.
The 29-year-old’s longevity in the national team reflects a decade of commitment that began under former manager Sunday Oliseh. Iwobi made his senior international debut on October 8, 2015, appearing as a substitute in a friendly encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Visé, Belgium. Since that introduction, he has evolved from a promising young winger into a sophisticated midfield conductor, featuring prominently in multiple major tournaments and cementing his role as a leader within the current squad.
Achieving 97 caps places Iwobi within striking distance of the all-time appearance records held by some of Nigerian football’s most iconic figures. If he features in three more matches, he will equal the 100-cap mark and eventually surpass legendary defenders Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo, who both retired with 101 appearances for the three-time African champions. Currently, veteran winger Ahmed Musa maintains the absolute record for the most capped Nigerian footballer, having represented the Super Eagles 111 times throughout his illustrious career.
Throughout the 2025 AFCON tournament, Iwobi has garnered widespread acclaim for his tactical awareness and distribution. His ability to link play between the defensive unit and a potent strike force—comprising Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—has been instrumental in Nigeria’s unbeaten run to the final four. Technical analysts highlight his work rate and “pre-assist” contributions as key factors in why the Super Eagles have managed to dismantle several well-organized defenses during the knockout stages in Marrakesh and Agadir.
As Nigeria hunts for its first continental title since 2013, Iwobi’s experience will prove crucial in navigating the intense atmosphere of a semi-final against the host nation. The former Arsenal and Everton man aims to add a gold medal to the bronze and silver he secured in 2019 and 2023, respectively. A victory tonight would not only propel Nigeria into the final but also provide Iwobi with the perfect platform to continue his climb toward becoming one of the most statistically significant players in the history of the Super Eagles.
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