While Ademola Lookman took home the trophy and Victor Osimhen grabbed the headlines, football purists are losing their minds over one man: Alex Iwobi.
In the 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday night, the Fulham star put on a performance so dominant that former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh reportedly "caught himself fanboying" in the commentary box. If Lookman was the executioner, Iwobi was the genius behind the entire plot.
The "Unseen" Stats: Why Iwobi Was a 10/10
On paper, Iwobi might not have scored, but he was the "pre-assist" king. His vision split the Mozambican defense wide open for three of Nigeria's four goals. He didn't just play the game; he controlled the heartbeat of the stadium.
| Metric | Alex Iwobi vs. Mozambique |
| Pass Accuracy | 95% |
| Pre-Assists | 3 (Led to goals 1, 2, and 3) |
| Midfield Recoveries | 7 |
| Dribble Success Rate | 100% |
| Player Rating | ⭐ 9/10 (Pulse Sports) |
Stepping Out of the Shadow
For years, Iwobi has lived under the immense pressure of being the nephew of the legendary Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha. Fans have constantly demanded he be the next "trickster." However, under manager Eric Chelle, Iwobi has evolved into a "cerebral" midfielder—a mix of Xavi and Iniesta who prioritizes IQ over step-overs.
"You know some players can smell the football. Iwobi has a high IQ. He sees the game before other players," manager Eric Chelle gushed after the final whistle.
The "Naija Jollof" of Midfielders
One viral match report described Iwobi’s performance as "the best thing since our ancestors received the inspiration for Naija jollof." His ability to resist the Mozambique press and transition the ball from defense to attack in seconds was the reason Nigeria enjoyed 62% possession and never looked threatened.
The Verdict: Can Nigeria Win Without Him?
The answer is a resounding NO. While the strikers are getting the glory, Iwobi is the engine that makes the Super Eagles soar. As they head into the Quarter-Finals to face a much tougher opponent (likely Algeria), the "Iwobi-Lookman-Osimhen" triangle is now officially the scariest attacking unit in Africa.