Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi in an exclusive response to Footy-Africa has dismissed suggestions that the Super Eagles are motivated by a desire to equal Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations record at this year’s tournament, insisting the team’s focus is on improving on their last outing in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, trail Ghana by one title, with the Black Stars having won the competition four times but failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco. Speaking after Nigeria’s opening Group C victory over Tanzania in Fez, Iwobi said historical comparisons are not driving the squad.
“Congratulations to Ghana for winning it four times, but our focus as Nigeria is simple. We want to win every tournament we take part in,” Iwobi said. “Last time in Ivory Coast we were very close, and the only way to improve on that is to win it.”
Iwobi was responding to a question from Footy-Africa’s Ghana correspondent, Enoch Fiifi Forson, who is covering the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania: Five things we learnt from Super Eagles opening AFCON win
The Super Eagles made a strong start with an assured attacking display against Tanzania at the Le Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday evening
Goals from Semi Ajayi and a fine strike from Ademola Lookman secured all three points, while Victor Osimhen saw a goal ruled out for offside. Samuel Chukwueze also impressed, carrying his club form into the match and troubling the Tanzania defence throughout.
Nigeria arrived at the tournament under scrutiny after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a setback that has increased expectations for a strong AFCON campaign. The win leaves them joint top of Group C alongside Tunisia, who also recorded a comfortable victory over Uganda.
‘We can do better’ – Gopar weighs in after Nigeria narrow win over Tanzania
Focus now shifts to Saturday’s highly anticipated meeting with Tunisia, again in Fez, a fixture expected to offer an early test of both sides’ title credentials.
