Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has praised Alex Iwobi for his role in the Super Eagles’ run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying the midfielder has moved beyond comparisons with his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.
Oshoala shared her view after Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique on Monday night, a result that sealed the team’s place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
“Since he made his debut for Nigeria in 2015, Iwobi has played under the weight of comparisons with his uncle,” Oshoala wrote.
“No matter what he does, his performances have never been enough for many Nigerians who judge him by the standards set by Jay-Jay.”
She said the ongoing tournament has marked a change in how the Fulham midfielder is perceived.
“At AFCON 2025, Iwobi finally stepped out of his uncle’s shadow and shut his critics up permanently. He has been one of Nigeria’s best players in this tournament,” she added.
Although Iwobi did not record an assist in the match against Mozambique, Oshoala pointed to his involvement in Nigeria’s attacking moves, saying his passing contributed to the build-up for the first two goals.
“His through balls created both goals, and he was the foundation of every attack in the final third. It was an all-round performance that shows why he deserves more appreciation,” she wrote.
Iwobi, 28, made his Super Eagles debut in October 2015 and has since earned over 70 caps for Nigeria.
He featured in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt and was part of the squad that finished second at the 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire.
At club level, he has played for Arsenal, Everton and Fulham, where he has been a regular starter in midfield.
Oshoala, a multiple African Women’s Footballer of the Year winner, has also been a long-serving figure in Nigerian football.
The Barcelona Femeni forward has represented Nigeria at several Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA Women’s World Cups and remains one of the most capped players in the Super Falcons squad.
Nigeria will face their quarter-final opponents later this week as they continue their campaign at AFCON 2025.
