AFCON 2025: That pass was too good — Oliseh hails Super Eagles star with big impact

Sunday Oliseh has showered praise on Alex Iwobi following his influential role in Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday night.

While the headlines were dominated by Ademola Lookman’s brace and Victor Osimhen’s clinical finishing, Oliseh highlighted the Fulham midfielder as the architect behind the Super Eagles' offensive dominance.

Iwobi, who played the full 90 minutes, was the heartbeat of the team in Fes, dictating the tempo and carving out the openings that dismantled the Mambas' defensive structure.

Speaking during his commentary on CAF TV, Oliseh was particularly impressed by Iwobi’s vision during the buildup to the opening goal.

"All these started from Iwobi; this is what we call the pre-assist pass. That pass tore the defense apart," Oliseh noted.

"What a finish from Lookman. The goal is what we talk about, but it is the pass that comes before the assist."

The legendary midfielder continued to sing Iwobi's praises as the game progressed, noting his consistency in a deeper, more creative role under coach Eric Chelle.

"What a pass. We must give kudos to what Iwobi is doing out there today," he added.

The comprehensive win not only secured Nigeria’s passage to the quarter-finals but also marked the team’s first clean sheet of the 2025 tournament.

With Lookman, described as "amazing" by teammate Calvin Bassey, in red-hot form and Iwobi pulling the strings, the Super Eagles appear to be peaking at the perfect time.

Nigeria will now travel to Marrakech for their quarter-final clash on Sunday, January 10, where they will face the winner of the high-stakes Round of 16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo.