As the Super Eagles prepare for their high-stakes semi-final clash against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this Wednesday, all eyes are on Alex Iwobi. The versatile midfielder is on the verge of a significant personal milestone, as this match is set to mark his 97th appearance for the Nigerian national team.
Iwobi’s journey with the three-time African champions began over a decade ago when he made his debut in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015. Since then, the 29-year-old has evolved into a cornerstone of the squad. His consistent form throughout the current tournament in Morocco has solidified his reputation as one of the team’s most reliable and influential performers.
Iwobi is rapidly climbing the ranks of Nigeria’s footballing legends. If he makes just three more appearances, he will become the third most-capped player in the history of the Super Eagles. Currently, the record for the most appearances is held by Ahmed Musa with 111 caps, while the iconic duo of Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo remain tied in second place with 101 appearances each.
Reaching 97 caps in the heat of a major semi-final underscores Iwobi’s longevity and dedication to the green and white jersey. As the team battles for a spot in the final, his experience will be vital in navigating the atmosphere of a North African showdown. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this milestone match will also be the one where he helps lead Nigeria back to the pinnacle of African football.
