Alex Iwobi is set to break Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel’s record for the most appearances by a Nigerian player at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Alex Iwobi Set To Break AFCON Record
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi will become the most-capped Nigerian player in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history if he features for the Super Eagles against Morocco on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old equalled the record held by Nigeria legends Jay-Jay Okocha, Muda Lawal and John Obi Mikel by making his 22nd AFCON appearance in the victory over Algeria on Saturday.
Iwobi starred as Eric Chelle’s side sealed a 2-0 win to advance to the semi-finals.
Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were both on target in the crucial triumph in Marrakech.
Thus far, Iwobi has made four appearances at the tournament, providing two assists.
Both assists came in their group stage opener against Tanzania, as they prevailed 2-1.
The Arsenal academy graduate has now featured for Nigeria at four separate editions of AFCON, turning out for the national team in the 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025 editions of the tournament.
He played seven matches at both the 2019 and 2023 editions, along with four appearances at AFCON 2021, and as previously mentioned, he has four appearances thus far at AFCON 2025.
By starting or making an appearance from the bench in Wednesday night’s semi-final against the hosts, he will move clear at the top with 23 appearances across four AFCON tournaments.
Of course, he could end the campaign with 24 AFCON appearances. This is dependent on the Super Eagles coming out on top against the tournament favourites and advancing to the final.
Nigeria are vying for a first AFCON title success since their historic triumph back in 2013.
Iwobi Pulling The Strings for Nigeria
In midfield, Iwobi has undoubtedly been pulling the strings for the Super Eagles.
He has starred as one of his side’s best players alongside Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, with his passing statistics, particularly in the knockout stages, standing out especially.
The 94-cap midfielder has made 36 line-breaking passes in the knockout stages of the competition, which is more than any other player to have featured at AFCON 2025.
22 of those came in the round of 16 against Mozambique before a further 14 against Algeria.
He and his Super Eagles teammates will be hoping for more of the same against Morocco.
The latest Nigeria injury update ahead of the clash revealed that Wilfred Ndidi could be back in action for the final should Chelle’s men overcome Achraf Hakimi and co.
Regardless of his fitness status, Ndidi is ruled out of the semi-finals through suspension.
Meanwhile, Birmingham right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel remains doubtful. The 28-year-old was forced off in the dying stages against Algeria after suffering with cramps.
