Quietly, Fulham creative midfielder Alex Iwobi has attained his rightful place in the Nigerian team: The Super Eagles. Fulham become the dominant figure in the heart of Eagles efforlessly dishing out creative passes that led to many goals for Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Always wearing that effusive smile on his face, Iwobi quietly became the heartbeat of their attacking engine.

According to Cafonline, the official website of Confederation of African football (CAF), Iwobi has technically stepped into the shoes of his famous uncle Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

“With every intelligent run and incisive pass, Iwobi showcased why he is not just following in the footsteps of his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, but forging his own legacy in Super Eagles history. The mastermind behind Nigeria’s attacking brilliance

“Iwobi’s authority has been evident throughout the tournament in his vision, movement, and timing, consistently dismantling opposition defensive lines.His precise passes and creative orchestration have fueled Nigeria’s explosive attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.

“The numbers tell the story: Lookman contributed three goals and four assists, Osimhen four goals and two assists, and Adams two goals and two assists — all beneficiaries of Iwobi’s supply line. Beyond the final assist, Iwobi has also produced the highest number of pre-assists in the tournament, highlighting his critical role in the phases leading to goals. With 46 line-breaking passes, the most at AFCON 2025, he has consistently unlocked tight defenses and created opportunities that others simply could not see. In a tournament where goals often decide the fine margins, Iwobi has been Nigeria’s engine, orchestrating both rhythm and tempo.”

During Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Algeria, the former Arsenal man equalled a long-standing record for the most AFCON appearances by a Nigerian midfielder, joining Austin Okocha, Muda Lawal, and John Obi Mikel with 22 matches each.

It is a milestone that underscores not only his quality but also his consistency and longevity at the highest level of African football.

“Iwobi is not just a facilitator; he is a catapult, launching the Eagles into decisive positions and supplying the final ball that consistently leads to goals.

The comparisons to Jay-Jay Okocha are unavoidable. Both possess elegance, technical mastery, and an eye for unlocking defenses.Yet where Okocha dazzled with improvisation, Iwobi combines flair with strategic intelligence — blending creativity with structural awareness. His runs are calculated, his passes precise, and his timing impeccable. This version of Iwobi is a leader without shouting, a midfield conductor whose influence extends far beyond the stat sheet. He manages space, dictates tempo, and ensures Nigeria remain a constant threat, even against well-organized opponents.”

Speaking with NBC Sports, Iwobi said he’s elated to be compared to his uncle. “The comparison is awesome. I do owe Jay Jay something because he once told me that I should enjoy the game. That I should express myself and smile while playing the game. That’s what I’m doing and I’m enjoying myself.”

They’re words he lives by as he carves out a legacy of his own. One thing is certain when watching Iwobi: you will always be entertained.

Love for Nigeria

Beneath his energetic and free-spirited nature is a profound pride in his Nigerian heritage.

Iwobi rose through the ranks of Arsenal’s academy to the first team, before moving on to Everton and now Fulham. He’s made over 300 appearances in the Premier League, establishing himself as a versatile and consistent presence in top-flight football. He made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 and has inspired the team to silver and bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Iwobi speaks more on his Nigerian heritage, his uncle Jay Jay Okocha, Fulham and playing for the Super Eagles in a conversation with NBC Sports.

Your uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, is a football legend in Nigeria. What’s a memory you have from growing up and watching him that showed you how much football means to people in Nigeria?

I think I was 12 years old. I had gone back to visit Nigeria, and there were different events that I would attend with Jay-Jay Okocha’s son.

When Jay-Jay arrived, everyone would be like, “Oh my God!” They forgot about the event and would just be cheering for him.

That’s the influence he has. I had only seen it in the UK, so to see it in Nigeria…it was crazy! That’s when I realized this lot treat footballers like kings. Now that I play for Nigeria, I’ve experienced it myself. It’s just amazing.

How did that influence your love for football?

When I saw the love that he was getting, I was like, “Oh, one day I want to receive that kind of love in the future.” I would work hard and kind of… not copy him to be like him, because I want to have my own legacy, but I would take some tips.

He always said to me, “Play football and express [yourself] with a smile on your face. ” That’s the main advice I took from him.

You grew up in London, but you were raised in an Igbo home — how did you stay connected to your Nigerian culture?

At home, there’s Nigerian music and Nigerian food. I wish my parents spoke to me a bit more in Igbo, but they didn’t, so I can’t really speak it fluently. Still, at home, it was always Nigerian culture.

Where I grew up, there were a lot of Nigerians in the community— a lot of Yoruba people — but a lot of Nigerians, so we were kind of sticking together.

What’s your favorite thing about Igbo culture, and how would you describe it to someone who’s never experienced it?

I would say most Igbos are very chill. We’re very laid back. We also love our music. My friends and I have this banter that when Yoruba people sing, they sing in a deep voice, and when Igbo people sing, they sing in a high tone. That’s the main thing that we always used to look at when we were kids — the way we used to sing our songs.

What makes playing for Nigeria feel like home to you?

Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing for England, but when I went to Nigeria on the U-23s trial, the way people were talking was like how my mom and dad spoke. The food that we were eating — it was just like eating at home with my parents. Even the mannerisms and the music we listened to made me realize, yeah, this is where I belong.

Which African values have shaped who you are the most?

For me, it’s just family. My mom and dad would go above and beyond for family. I really understood that when I started playing for Nigeria. You’re your brother’s keeper, and everyone makes sure that the person next to them is okay. We make sure that everyone’s on the same page and everyone’s healthy. We always pray together. Everything is done together. It’s really nice.

You’re coming off one of your best seasons as a club and individually. How does that motivate you this season?

Iwobi: Yeah, what we did last season — in terms of having our most points in the Premier League for the club — was a big achievement. Of course, we’d like to do better, but that’s the aim for this season. We want to play in Europe. We want to achieve more as a club. The goal is to try and finish as high as we can on the table and try to beat the record again.

For me personally, it was nice because I had my best season in terms of goals. I scored nine goals last season, so hopefully this season will be double digits. That’s the only way to improve, so hopefully I can do that.

What does it mean to you to get to represent African culture on the Premier League stage?

It’s amazing because I like to bring what I’ve been taught as a kid — as an entertainer — into the way I play football. When I play for Nigeria, instruments are playing, there are people singing, so it’s almost like a festival. When I’m playing football, I literally enjoy it because that’s what I’m thinking about.

I’m at my happiest when I’m just expressing myself. So when I’m on the pitch, I’m doing exactly that. You can see [Fulham forward] Samuel [Chukwueze] does the same thing. Calvin [Bassey] is a bit different because he’s a defender, but he still has that. He likes to show the African strength all the time. It’s just nice. We bring our own different characteristics to the gear.