In brief
Alex Iwobi, the Fulham midfielder, expresses his viewpoint on the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) being a 'special' tournament celebrating African culture and football. Representing Nigeria, he aims for redemption after their 2023 loss in the final, highlighting the tournament's essence and the importance it holds for the continent.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi believes that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is a 'special' experience for players and fans alike. The prestigious tournament, featuring 24 flag-bearing nations across Africa, is set to captivate audiences in Morocco over the upcoming weeks. Iwobi, representing Nigeria, is driven to help the team reclaim the title that slipped away in the 2023 final against Ivory Coast.In an exclusive conversation with BBC Newsbeat, Iwobi expressed, With Afcon, you get to celebrate Africa through football. You get to see different cultures and how people from Nigeria walk into the changing rooms. We enjoy music as we celebrate our heritage too.Following Nigeria's disappointment at missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, Iwobi and his teammates are eager for redemption at Afcon. We owe it to ourselves to make it right, Iwobi remarked. The Super Eagles have previously clinched three titles, with their last victory in 2013, and the yearning for success is palpable among the squad.Iwobi recounted the pain of the recent loss to Ivory Coast, which he described as 'shattering'. However, he also acknowledged the moment's uniqueness, especially with Ivory Coast's player Sébastien Haller's triumph over cancer. It was a tough loss, but they deserved it, he noted. We have since worked hard in preparation, and hopefully this tournament will tell a different story for us.The renowned midfielder reflects on the growing recognition of Afcon despite recent debates about its standing relative to other tournaments. He insists it deserves more respect and attention. Should Nigeria win this year's Afcon, he anticipates celebrating with his family and community, looking forward to the ecstatic traditions that follow such victories.Overall, Iwobi's journey from a child in Lagos to representing Nigeria on the world's stage exemplifies a profound connection to his roots, and he aims to inspire others in similar situations to embrace their heritage and talents.
