Alex Iwobi Highlights the Cultural Significance of AFCON

Mon Dec 22 2025 08:12:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi expresses his views on the importance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, celebrating the diverse cultures and heritage of African nations.

In a recent interview, Alex Iwobi, a midfielder for Fulham and the Nigerian national team, emphasized the unique cultural experience of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He reflected on Nigeria's aspirations following a disappointing recent performance, while also highlighting the importance of celebrating African identity through football. Iwobi calls for greater recognition of the tournament's significance within the global football community.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi believes the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a special football experience that showcases Africa's rich culture. As the tournament kicks off with 24 teams vying for the title, Iwobi will represent his home country of Nigeria, aiming to secure a victory after their recent heartbreak in the 2023 final against Ivory Coast.

Iwobi shared with BBC Newsbeat that AFCON serves as a platform to celebrate African culture through football, emphasizing the diversity in colors, styles, and traditions exhibited by different nations. He remarked, With AFCON, you get to celebrate Africa through football, noting how various cultures bring their unique vibes to the changing rooms.

Reflecting on Nigeria's disappointment after failing to qualify for the World Cup for a second consecutive time, Iwobi expressed the determination to rectify past mistakes during the AFCON tournament, stating, We owe it to ourselves to make it right, and there's no better way to improve than to win this one. The midfielder also recognized how crucial it is for Nigeria to reclaim their status, given their history of success in the tournament, having won AFCON three times with their last victory in 2013.

He acknowledged the emotional weight of their previous loss to the Ivory Coast, mentioning it felt shattered their dreams, but added a note of respect for their opponents saying, They deserved it. Determined to channel that past loss into motivation, Iwobi remarked, But it's also fuelled us, and we've been working hard to get into the AFCON again... hopefully, this is our story.

Iwobi, born in Lagos and raised in London, represents a growing number of players with ties to multiple cultures in the Nigerian national team. Feeling a strong connection to his Nigerian heritage, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and love he receives from both England and Nigeria.

As the tournament approaches, Iwobi called for more respect for AFCON, which he believes continues to grow in visibility and recognition within the international football community. He hopes that a victory in the tournament will not only benefit his career but also be a celebratory moment for his family and the Nigerian community as a whole.