AFCON 2025: Alex Iwobi on Nigeria's mentality and approach ahead of crunch semi-final with hosts Morocco

Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi says the Super Eagles' mentality has not changed and the team are simply trying to do their best ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown with hosts Morocco.

The team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, being held later this year, but their fortunes have changed in Morocco. They have been in fine form in the ongoing competition, winning five out of five games and playing really good football.

"[It's] the same [mentality] I actually had in the World Cup qualifiers, which is the same I actually have in the AFCON. We're just trying to do our best," Iwobi said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the semi-final.

"To [do] and achieve something for our country, for ourselves, for our family. So I can't pinpoint what it is to say there's something different, Iwobi added.

The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON, have scored the most goals (14) the 2025 edition, but face their most daunting task – against Morocco, who have conceded only a single goal and are yet to concede from open play.

"I just know we have the same mindset, the same mentality, and the same application. So we're just grateful that we're doing really well at the moment."

Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013, but failed to qualify in 2015 and 2017.

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