Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has heaped glowing praise on Alex Iwobi, describing the Fulham midfielder as one of those rare players who possess an exceptional understanding of the game.
While Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have dominated the headlines, sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes not, Iwobi has quietly delivered consistently strong performances across the three matches he has featured in.
Against Mozambique on Monday night, Iwobi orchestrated Nigeria's attacks, creating the build-up for their first three goals with pre-assist passes.
The Hale End Academy graduate first set up Adams for Lookman’s opener, then played a perfectly weighted long ball to Lookman for Osimhen to double the lead, and in the second half again found Lookman, whose cross enabled Osimhen to score once more.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle offered an assessment of Iwobi's influence and technical ability.
"There are some players who smell football. This guy has a big football IQ. He sees the game before other players, and technically, when he makes a movement, he is very good," Chelle told reporters.
The Malian tactician noted that Iwobi's quality has been evident throughout the Africa Cup of Nations campaign and challenged the former Arsenal man to maintain his standards.
"Since the tournament started, we can see he is a very good player. Actually, he is like the team, so the most important thing is to do that every day.
"Once again, we have to stay focused. Alex has to stay focused, continue to work, and try to be better than in the last game. “I am very proud of him and of the team too."
The round of 16 clash with Mozambique marked Iwobi's 21st career appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, just one shy of his celebrated uncle, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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January 7, 2026
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