The Iwobi Renaissance: Maestro Midfielder Dismantles Mozambique in AFCON Masterclass

The Fès Stadium in Morocco bore witness to a footballing clinic on Monday night, but while Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman snagged the headlines with their goals, the real talk of the town is the “new and improved” Alex Iwobi. In a clinical 4-0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique, the Fulham star didn’t just play; he conducted an orchestra. Fans and pundits alike are buzzing over what many are calling the best version of Iwobi yet—a player who has traded erratic flashes for sustained, world-class dominance in the heart of the Nigerian engine room.

Iwobi’s fingerprints were all over the Super Eagles’ opening surge. In the 20th minute, it was his vision that sliced open the Mambas’ defense, finding Akor Adams who then set up Lookman for the opener. Just five minutes later, Iwobi pulled off a “no-look” pinpoint pass that sent the crowd into a frenzy, eventually allowing Osimhen to tap in the second. Described by match commentators as being “at the heart of everything,” Iwobi’s transition from a winger to an imperious central playmaker seems complete. He nearly topped off his night with a thunderous 37th-minute strike that was only denied by a spectacular save, proving he is now a threat from every blade of grass.

This isn’t just about one game; it’s about a narrative shift. For years, Iwobi faced scrutiny over his consistency, but under the current AFCON heat, he has emerged as Nigeria’s tactical heartbeat. His ability to maintain a 4-0 lead with calm distribution while constantly hunting for the killer pass has given the Super Eagles a new dimension of maturity. As Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against the winner of Algeria vs. DR Congo, one thing is certain: with Iwobi in this kind of “Gear 3” form, the dream of a fourth continental title has never looked more realistic.