Fans hail Iwobi’s midfield masterclass

Fans have praised Alex Iwobi after the Fulham star delivered a commanding midfield performance as Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Fulham midfielder registered two assists and earned an 8.8 match rating—the highest of any player on the pitch—while dictating the tempo of the game with his intelligent passing and tactical awareness.

Iwobi’s influence was evident throughout as he orchestrated Nigeria’s attacks, providing the assist for Semi Ajayi’s 36th-minute opener with a perfectly lofted cross that the defender headed home to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 halftime lead.

After Tanzania equalised through Charles M’Mombwa just two minutes into the second half, Iwobi continued to pull the strings in midfield, helping Nigeria regain control before Ademola Lookman struck a clinical left-footed shot from outside the box to restore the lead in the 55th minute.

The 28-year-old’s brace of assists leads the AFCON 2025 assists chart after six matches, underscoring his creative importance to the Super Eagles’ campaign.

Eagles icon Sunday Oliseh, providing commentary during the match, praised Iwobi’s technical quality.

“The dosage on the ball from Iwobi,” Oliseh remarked, highlighting the strength and accuracy of his passes.

Fans on social media platform X echoed Oliseh’s sentiments, with widespread appreciation for Iwobi’s display.

Kay Bandy wrote, “Iwobi is balling with some sweet penetrating passes.”

Trent The Maestro described him as “the last field bender” in an appreciation post, while several users shared videos and images of Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez with the caption “Iwobi today,” comparing the Nigerian’s midfield mastery to the Spanish icon.

Daniel (@General_D__) wrote, “You watch the game, you don’t see Iwobi, just watch Iwobi and you’ll see the whole game.”

Another user (@EA91000) added, “I don’t know where this team would be without Iwobi’s IQ, the only player that wants to pass between lines and control the game.”

Nigerian X influencer OneJoblessBoy stated, “We don’t appreciate Iwobi enough. Tactically superior to many of his peers.”

Ebi Dau defended Iwobi to his detractors after this performance, writing, “That people don’t like Iwobi in this team kills me. He’s the only person who can progress the ball.”

In pidgin, @paybakkofficial declared, “Iwobi na star!! Na just mumu people go de ignore am. He’s a professional footballer.”

Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Nigeria defended resolutely with goalkeeper Daniel Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, and Ajayi making crucial interventions to secure all three points.

The Super Eagles face Tunisia on Saturday, and Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, in their remaining group fixtures.(Punch)