AFCON 2023: Alex Iwobi Decides on International Future After Nigeria’s Loss vs Ivory Coast, Report

AFCON 2023: Alex Iwobi Decides on International Future After Nigeria’s Loss vs Ivory Coast, Report

Ero Samson
updated at February 15, 2024 at 1:04 PM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
Alex Iwobi logo
A. Iwobi
Fulham logoFNigeria logo
Franck Kessié logo
F. Kessié
Al-Ahli SFC logoMIvory Coast logo
Sébastien Haller logo
S.Haller
Borussia Dortmund logoFIvory Coast logo
Kenneth Omeruo logo
K. Omeruo
Kasimpasa logoDNigeria logo
Ivory Coast logo
Cote DIvoire
Ivory Coast
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Memphis Depay logo
M. Depay
Atletico Madrid logoFNetherlands logo
Antoine Griezmann logo
A.Griezmann
Atletico Madrid logoFFrance logo
Atletico Madrid logo
Atletico Madrid
Spain
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  • Nigeria lost their high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast
  • A list of Super Eagles players are rumoured to be considering retirement
  • Alex Iwobi has made a decision regarding his future with the Nigerian team

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final defeat against the Ivory Coast proved to be a bitter pill to swallow for many players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Despite being favourites to win the title, the three-time Cup of Nations winners were pegged back by Les Elephants, thanks to an immense second-half display led by midfielder, Franck Kessie, and forward, Sebastien Haller.

AFCON, CAF, Super Eagles, Nigeria, Alex Iwobi, Serge Aurier, Ivory Coast
Nigeria's Alex Iwobi and Serge Aurier of Ivory Coast during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Abidjan. Image: Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

In the aftermath of the defeat suffered by Jose Peseiro’s side at the Stade Alassane Ouattara, a cascade of reactions has continued to swirl around about the potential of the players retiring.

Foremost among those is midfielder, Alex Iwobi, who has faced criticism from fans for what they perceive as an underwhelming performance at the showpiece event.

Amidst these rumours about his retirement from the Nigerian team gaining momentum, a report on Iwobi’s decision regarding his future has emerged.

Iwobi’s retirement update

According to a report by African football expert, Osasu Obayiuwana, who cited an unnamed source close to the player, the midfielder remains unfazed by the speculation and has no intentions of retiring from the Nigeria national team, as his love for representing his country remains strong.

The Fulham attacker, who made his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in October 2015, has amassed over 75 appearances for the national team.

The former Arsenal star played a crucial role in all of Nigeria's games at the AFCON. This report on Iwobi follows a similar denial of retirement talks by another Super Eagles veteran, Kenneth Omeruo.

Davido reacts to Depay’s gift

Sports Brief in another report stated that popular Nigerian music artist, Davido, was gifted a present by Memphis Depay.

The Atletico Madrid forward celebrated his 30th birthday and invited all his teammates, including the Nigerian artist, to the ceremony.

The Nigerian artist, alongside Atleti forward, Antoine Griezmann, were gifted highly-priced gifts by the Dutch international.

Davido and Depay have often shown their friendship on social media and occasionally have hung out together.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).