Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi have reaffirmed the squad’s determination to secure Nigeria’s fourth continental title as they launch their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Fès, Morocco. Both players emphasized that the team is motivated by the desire to leave a lasting legacy through silverware rather than individual accolades.
Iwobi, a key figure in Éric Chelle’s midfield, noted that the runners-up finish in 2023 has only sharpened the group’s hunger to go one step further this year.
“People normally get remembered for their accolades, and as a team, there’s no better way to be remembered than winning something,” Iwobi told Kelechi Anyikude. “So we’re very ambitious, and we’d like to make our name for ourselves and for our families.”
Filling the Leadership Void
The tournament marks a new era for the Nigerian defense following the recent retirement of long-time captain William Troost-Ekong. Semi Ajayi, 32, acknowledged the significant hole left by the former skipper but expressed total confidence in the squad’s depth.
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Clean Sheet Target: Ajayi stated his personal goal is to ensure Nigeria remains defensively “impenetrable,” noting that “keeping the ball out of the back of the net” is his primary focus to help the team reach the final.
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Midfield Stability: With Wilfred Ndidi officially taking over the captaincy, the partnership between him and Iwobi is expected to be the engine room of Chelle’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
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