AFCON 2025: Creative maestro Iwobi set to break Okocha and Mikel’s records

Alex Iwobi’s influence at AFCON 2025 continues to grow with every passing game, as the Super Eagles midfielder combines creativity with consistency at the heart of Nigeria’s run.

Fresh data from Opta now underlines just how central the Fulham star has been to Nigeria’s progress in the tournament.

According to Opta’s statisticians, Iwobi has completed more line-breaking passes than any other player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a clear reflection of his importance in Nigeria’s buildup play.

The 27-year-old has recorded an impressive 36 line-breaking passes in the knockout stages alone, the highest tally by any player at this phase of the competition.

A closer look at the numbers highlights his consistency. Iwobi completed 22 line-breaking passes during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique, before adding another 14 in the quarterfinal victory against Algeria.

Against Mozambique, his sharp passing from midfield helped the Super Eagles progress the ball through central areas with ease, playing a key role in dismantling their opponents.

His ability to advance play and connect midfield to attack has remained a defining feature of Nigeria’s campaign as they pushed into the latter stages of the tournament.

Beyond his creative output, Iwobi is also closing in on a landmark achievement in Africa Cup of Nations history. During the quarterfinal clash against Algeria, the former Arsenal man equalled a long-standing Nigerian record jointly held by Austin Okocha, Muda Lawal and John Obi Mikel.

The quartet now share the record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder, with 22 matches each.

Iwobi is poised to claim the record outright should he feature in Nigeria’s semifinal showdown against Morocco, which would take his total appearances to 23 across four tournaments.

He played seven matches apiece at AFCON 2019 and AFCON 2023, alongside four outings at AFCON 2021 and AFCON 2025. With his form and fitness, Iwobi looks set to write his name alone into Super Eagles history while continuing to pull the creative strings in Nigeria’s quest for continental glory.