AFCON 2025: Iwobi shares cryptic message after Tunisia show — what he really said about Super Eagles' win

In the aftermath of Nigeria's pulsating 3-2 victory over Tunisia that secured their passage to the AFCON Round of 16, Alex Iwobi has delivered a cryptic yet powerful message that's setting Nigerian football social media ablaze.

"Promise Is A Promise… Don't Break It Sha," the Fulham midfielder posted on his Threads late Saturday night, accompanied by photos of his Super Eagles action and family.

The statement, laced with Nigerian pidgin and deliberate ambiguity, has sparked intense speculation among the Green Eagles faithful about what promise Iwobi is referencing—and who needs to keep it.

While Victor Osimhen's aerial prowess, Wilfred Ndidi's maiden international goal, and Ademola Lookman's brilliance grabbed headlines, it was Iwobi's orchestration from midfield that provided the foundation for Nigeria's dominant first 70 minutes.

Playing in his 93rd international appearance, the 28-year-old was everywhere, dropping deep to collect possession, threading passes through Tunisia's midfield lines, and creating the space that allowed Lookman and Osimhen to devastate the Carthage Eagles' defense.

His role in the build-up for Lookman's goal in the 70th minute was pure artistry: a perfectly weighted through ball that split three defenders and left the Galatasaray forward Osimhen one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The subsequent team move that led to the goal showed exactly what this Super Eagles side can do when firing on all cylinders.

Nigeria's commanding 3-0 lead looked unassailable until Montassar Talbi's header in the 84th minute opened a crack in the dam. When Ali Abdi converted from the spot three minutes later after a VAR-awarded penalty, the Stade Père Jégo suddenly crackled with tension.

But this Super Eagles side, unlike some of their predecessors, didn't panic. Iwobi dropped even deeper, becoming an auxiliary defender, while Ndidi and his defensive partners held firm through four minutes of stoppage time.

With six points from two matches, Nigeria sit atop Group B ahead of Tuesday's final group game against Uganda. The early qualification allows head coach José Peseiro the luxury of rotation, though few expect him to make wholesale changes given the momentum his side has built.

Iwobi's form, in particular, has been revelatory. After a slow start to his AFCON career in previous tournaments, he's now operating at a level that suggests maturity, confidence, and a deep understanding of his role as the team's creative heartbeat.

There will be several interpretations of Iwobi's post-match statement. Some might believe it's directed at the Nigerian Football Federation, a subtle reminder of commitments made regarding bonuses and player welfare—issues that have historically plagued the national team.

Others could see it as a rallying cry to teammates: a promise made in the dressing room to deliver Nigeria's fourth AFCON title, with Iwobi warning against complacency despite the early qualification.

Whether Iwobi's message is about internal team dynamics, external commitments from federation officials, or simply a motivational mantra, one thing is clear: this Super Eagles squad believes.

They believe in their system. They believe in their quality. And if Saturday's performance is any indication, they believe they can go all the way in Morocco.

The Super Eagles face Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM local time in Fès.