Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Olisehhas singled out Alex Iwobi for praise following Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament on Monday night, dominating the Mambas to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
While goals from Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams took the headlines, Oliseh highlighted Iwobi’s influence in midfield as the foundation of the win.
Iwobi played the full 90 minutes and was central to Nigeria’s attacking flow, particularly in the build-up to the opening two goals in the first half.
Oliseh highlights decisive first pass
Speaking during his analysis on CAF TV, Oliseh drew attention to Iwobi’s role in breaking Mozambique’s defensive structure, stressing that the midfielder’s contribution went beyond conventional assists.
“All these started from Iwobi, this is what we call the pre-assist pass,” Oliseh said. “That pass tore the defence apart.”
Nigeria took the lead in the 20th minute when Lookman finished clinically after a well-worked move initiated by Iwobi’s forward distribution.
Oliseh noted that while goals tend to dominate discussion, the importance of the initial pass should not be overlooked.
“What a finish from Lookman. The goal is what we talk about but it is the pass that comes before the assist,” he added.
Influence extends beyond opening goal
Oliseh also praised Iwobi’s involvement in Nigeria’s second goal and his overall control of the midfield, where he consistently linked play and released attackers into dangerous areas.
“What a pass. We must give kudos to what Iwobi is doing out there today,” Oliseh said, reflecting on the former Arsenal midfielder’s vision and decision-making.
Nigeria went on to score twice in the second half, with Osimhen completing his brace and Akor Adams adding a fourth to cap a dominant display.
The result marked the Super Eagles’ first clean sheet of the tournament and underlined their growing dominance.
The win keeps Nigeria’s bid for a fourth AFCON title firmly on track as attention now turns to the quarter-finals. The Super Eagles will face the winner of the round-of-16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo.