Alex Iwobi is quietly writing his name deeper into AFCON history, and as Nigeria prepares for a heavyweight semi-final clash against Morocco, the Super Eagles midfielder stands at the centre of both the present campaign and the record books.
At AFCON 2025, Iwobi’s influence has gone far beyond eye-catching moments. Game after game, the Fulham star has blended control, creativity, and calm authority, becoming a key engine in Nigeria’s impressive run through the tournament.
While goals and assists often grab headlines, fresh numbers from Opta now offer clear statistical proof of just how vital he has been to the Super Eagles’ rhythm and buildup play.
According to the data, Iwobi has completed more line-breaking passes than any other player at AFCON 2025, underlining his role as Nigeria’s main connector between defence and attack. Even more striking is his output in the knockout rounds, where the 27-year-old has registered 36 line-breaking passes, the highest tally by any player at that stage of the competition.
36 – Alex Iwobi has completed 36 line-breaking passes in the knockout stages of #AFCON2025, more than any other player (22 v Mozambique, 14 v Algeria). Vision. pic.twitter.com/zdF9ZxMOrf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 10, 2026
A closer look at the figures tells its own story. During Nigeria’s dominant 4–0 round-of-16 victory over Mozambique, Iwobi completed 22 line-breaking passes, repeatedly slicing through the opposition’s midfield structure.
He followed that up with 14 more in the quarter-final win against Algeria, once again dictating tempo and progression from central areas.
Against Mozambique in particular, his crisp distribution and ability to play through pressure allowed Nigeria to advance the ball smoothly through the middle, a factor that proved crucial in dismantling their opponents.
That same composure has remained a constant feature of Nigeria’s campaign, with Iwobi’s vision and decision-making helping the team control games even in tense knockout moments.
Beyond his on-ball influence, the quarter-final against Algeria also carried historic significance. With that appearance, Iwobi equaled the record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder, drawing level with legends Austin Okocha, Muda Lawal and John Obi Mikel. All four now sit on 22 appearances each.
History, however, is firmly within reach. Should Iwobi feature in Nigeria’s semi-final showdown against Morocco, he will move clear of the trio and stand alone with 23 AFCON appearances, achieved across four tournaments. His journey includes seven matches each at AFCON 2019 and AFCON 2023, alongside four appearances at AFCON 2021 and AFCON 2025.
Alex Iwobi vs Algeria | Conduit 🔌#ALGNGA #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/XGIz4M0ZNd
— EaglesTracker (@ETMediaNG) January 11, 2026
As the Super Eagles edge closer to continental glory, Iwobi’s story at AFCON 2025 is shaping up as one of quiet authority and lasting legacy.
With form, fitness and confidence all on his side, the midfielder is not only chasing a place in the final — he is also on the verge of carving his name alone into Nigerian football history.