Alex Iwobi praises Chelle unity as Super Eagles reach AFCON semi-finals, crediting strong brotherhood for Nigeria’s impressive run

Alex Iwobi, Nigeria international and Fulham midfielder, has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for fostering a strong team spirit that has propelled Nigeria into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Speaking on Tuesday in the Moroccan capital, Iwobi said the renewed sense of unity within the squad has been decisive, coming just two months after Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup qualification race.

The Super Eagles face tournament hosts Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat, aiming to extend a prolific run that has carried them into the last four of the continental competition.

Iwobi, 29, described the current squad atmosphere as markedly different from previous tournaments, despite Nigeria’s history of deep AFCON runs.

Nigeria reached the final of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, losing to the hosts, and also made the semi-finals in 2019.

“I feel like the difference is the sense of brotherhood, the family environment that we have created for each other,” Alex Iwobi said at a packed press conference.

The midfielder noted that while earlier teams were talented, the current squad is more mature and settled.

He said many players are now performing at peak levels for their clubs, which has translated into confidence and chemistry on the pitch.

“I feel like right now everybody is entering their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and the chemistry we have when playing for our country,” Iwobi added.

Iwobi praised Eric Chelle for laying the foundation of unity within the group, stressing that the bond extends beyond match days and into daily interactions off the pitch.

“It is not just on the pitch, but also off the pitch. There is a big unity. We are a big family. It starts from the coach,” he said.

Nigeria’s resurgence comes after a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended in disappointment following a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat last November.

The setback followed a gradual improvement in form after Chelle’s appointment 12 months ago.

“We have always given 100 percent,” Iwobi said, adding that the World Cup disappointment has become a powerful motivation for the squad.

Nigeria enter the semi-final as the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals.

Victor Osimhen has scored four times, while Ademola Lookman has added three goals to underline the team’s attacking strength.

Chelle acknowledged that managing a squad featuring recent African Footballer of the Year winners Osimhen and Lookman has eased his task.

However, Nigeria will be without suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi against Morocco, with Raphael Onyedika expected to step in.

Morocco, ranked as Africa’s top national team, will rely on home support at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where nearly 70,000 fans are expected.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui warned his players that concentration and intensity will be crucial against Nigeria’s relentless side.

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The semi-final clash promises a high-stakes encounter, with Nigeria seeking redemption and Morocco under heavy pressure to deliver continental success on home soil.