AFCON 2025: Iwobi makes history in Super Eagles victory against Tanzania

Alex Iwobi has recorded his name in the history books as Nigeria kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with an impressive performance against Tanzania on matchday one.

According to Opta, the Fulham midfielder became just the second Nigerian player on record since 2010 to provide two assists in a single AFCON game.

The only other player to achieve the feat is former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, who registered two assists against Mali in February 2013.

“Against Tanzania in matchday one, Alex Iwobi became just the second Nigerian player on record (since 2010) to provide two assists in a single CAF Africa Cup of Nations game, after John Obi Mikel against Mali in February 2013,” Opta posted.

The 28-year-old opened the scoring with a perfectly delivered cross that allowed defender Semi Ajayi to power a header into the net in the first half.

Tanzania responded after the break through Kokola M’mombwa, briefly threatening to disrupt Nigeria’s strong start to the qualification campaign.

However, Iwobi once again stepped up, calmly laying the ball into the path of Ademola Lookman, who fired home a powerful left-footed strike to restore Nigeria’s lead and seal the win.