Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised head coach Eric Chelle for building a strong team spirit that has propelled Nigeria into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria will face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake.

Iwobi, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast and also reached the semi-finals in AFCON 2019, highlighted unity and togetherness as central to the team’s current success.

Speaking at a press conference in Rabat, the 29-year-old Fulham midfielder described Super Eagles squad’s atmosphere as one of brotherhood and family, crediting Chelle for instilling those values.

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

“Of course, at the previous AFCON, we did really well. The team was strong, but we were younger and still learning about each other.

“Right now, everybody is entering their prime. Everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy and chemistry when we play for our country.

“It’s not just on the pitch. Off the pitch, there is a big unity. We are a big family, and it starts from the coach; he has brought that brotherhood.”

Iwobi also noted that a more positive environment off the pitch has helped players express themselves, despite reports of disagreements with the Nigeria Football Federation over bonuses.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent disappointments, including their failed 2026 World Cup qualification campaign that ended with a penalty shoot-out loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat last November, Iwobi said the setback has served as motivation.

“We have always given 100 percent,” he said.

“In the World Cup qualifiers, we wanted to win as well, but it was a difficult moment for us. We have used that disappointment as motivation to achieve something for our country, for ourselves and for our families.”

The Super Eagles will now look to carry their unity and momentum into Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Morocco as they push for a place in the AFCON 2025 final. (BusinessDay)

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