Iwobi praises Nigerian team spirit as Super Eagles gear up for AFCON semi-final against Morocco
Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi on Tuesday commended coach Eric Chelle for fostering a strong team atmosphere that propelled the Super Eagles into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, just two months after their heartbreaking exit from World Cup qualification hopes.
The Nigerian squad faces AFCON hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday, aiming to sustain the impressive scoring run that secured their spot in the final four.
They made it to the final of the previous Nations Cup two years back in Ivory Coast but fell short against the hosts, and Iwobi was also part of the team that advanced to the semi-finals in 2019.
However, he noted that a more positive vibe away from the field, even amid rumours of disputes with the national football body regarding payments, is now enabling peak performances from him and a squad at its best.
"I believe the key difference lies in the bond of brotherhood and the family-like setting we have built together," the 29 year old Fulham player remarked during a crowded media session in the Moroccan city.
"Naturally, in past AFCON tournaments we performed admirably. The squad was robust, yet we were inexperienced and still getting to know one another.
"Now, everyone seems to be hitting their peak, excelling at their clubs, and the enthusiasm and connection shine through when we represent our nation.
"This unity extends beyond the game, off the field too, forming a true family unit. It originates with the coach, who has instilled this sense of camaraderie."
Nigeria struggled in their World Cup qualifying group and watched their tournament aspirations vanish via a penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat last November.
This came even after a clear improvement since Chelle, the ex Mali manager, took charge a year earlier.
"We always commit fully," Iwobi stressed.
"During the World Cup qualifiers, we aimed to succeed too, but it proved a tough phase, and we channelled that setback into drive to accomplish great things for our nation, ourselves, and our loved ones."
Ndidi sidelined
Chelle, for his part, acknowledged that having two recent African footballer of the year recipients in attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman simplifies his role.
Nigeria leads the competition in goals with 14 struck in total, four from Osimhen and three courtesy of Lookman.
Yet, it is uncertain how they will manage versus Morocco without captain Wilfred Ndidi in the engine room due to suspension, with Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika poised as a probable stand in.
"We function as a collective, and several talented individuals are eager for their opportunity to shine," Chelle stated.
Morocco, the highest ranked African side, seeks to capitalise on local support with nearly 70,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nevertheless, their manager Walid Regragui recognises the prowess within Nigeria's lineup.
"Mental resilience will be crucial, but reaching the AFCON semi finals demands heightened focus, extra effort to disrupt Nigeria's rhythm, or matching their intensity," Regragui cautioned.
The coach who guided the Atlas Lions to the 2022 World Cup semi finals faces intense scrutiny to claim the title on home soil, aware that detractors await any stumble.
"That's the reality in my nation, you must embrace it as Morocco's coach," he explained.
"Criticism follows every outcome. I remain dedicated to my squad. I battle for my country against the doubters constantly. To my players, I say we cannot dwell on that. The focus is solely on their pitch performance."