Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has cautioned Nigeria’s national team against lowering their guard as they prepare to face Mozambique in Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 encounter, warning that dominance in the group stage offers no guarantees in knockout football.
Nigeria cruised through the group phase with maximum points, recording emphatic victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda to finish top of Group C. Their impressive run earned them a knockout date with Mozambique, who progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after managing just one win in the group stage.
Although the fixture appears straightforward on paper, Iwobi insists the statistics do not reflect the true challenge ahead. Mozambique’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Gabon showcased their attacking threat, even though losses to Cameroon and Ivory Coast exposed their vulnerabilities.
Speaking ahead of the tie in Fes, Iwobi emphasized the need for total concentration, stressing that Nigeria must approach the game with humility and intensity.
“We won all three group matches, but that doesn’t mean anything now. We can’t afford to be complacent. We’ll give everything and make our country proud,” Iwobi said in an interview with Ademola Victor TV.
The 29-year-old has been a key figure for Nigeria throughout the tournament, dictating play from midfield and providing crucial creativity as the Super Eagles gathered momentum.
He played a starring role in Nigeria’s opening 2–1 victory over Tanzania, registering assists for both Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. That performance placed him among a select group of Nigerian players to record two assists in a single AFCON match since 2010.
Iwobi maintained his high standards against Tunisia, completing 51 of 59 passes and contributing significantly to the buildup that led to Nigeria’s third goal in an entertaining 3–2 win.
Currently on the books of Fulham, Iwobi is the most experienced player in the present Super Eagles squad, boasting 93 international caps and making his third appearance at the AFCON finals.
Nigeria, who lifted the continental trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013, are now targeting a historic fourth AFCON title as the tournament in Morocco reaches its decisive stages.
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