AFCON or Fulham? Alex Iwobi makes tough decision ahead of crucial December schedule

Alex Iwobi has a tough decision to make, as the 2025 AFCON will be played in mid-December, when the Premier League is in full swing

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has confirmed that he will leave Fulham and join the national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December despite its clash with the Premier League schedule, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2025 AFCON is set to take place this December in Morocco. Usually, the competition is played in February, but it was shifted to December due to this busy schedule next year, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming up in June.

But despite the shift, the competition still clashes with the calendar of major football leagues across the world.

Victor Osimhen in Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: AFCON 2023 (Photo by Imago)

This would obviously affect the clubs that have African players. And these clubs will try to stop their players from leaving.

It could even cause rifts between the parties involved, albeit FIFA rules stipulate that clubs must release their players for competitions like the AFCON.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

One of the clubs that will be affected by the AFCON is Fulham. The Cottagers have four African players in their squad, including Iwobi and Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey.

However, ahead of the competition, Iwobi has revealed that playing at the AFCON is non-negotiable for him.

Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Boniface Victor, Alex Iwobi and Onyemaechi Bruno of Nigeria Super Eagles (Photo by Imago)

“It’s not nice for us [to have to choose between the AFCON and our clubs], but with all due respect to Fulham I would like to go to the AFCON,” Iwobi told The Guardian.

The Super Eagles finished second at the last Africa Cup of Nations after a disappointing final loss to Ivory Coast. But this time, Iwobi will be targeting a gold medal with the team.

Alex Iwobi Set For Another Big Season at Fulham

In the meantime, Iwobi will hope to begin the Premier League campaign with a bang.

Alex Iwobi for Fulham (Photo credit: Imago)

Last season, they finished 11th with 54 points. Fulham were even in the run-in for continental football until the last seven games of the season. Iwobi was key to that run, with a career-best nine goals and six assists in 38 appearances.

Fulham will begin their season with a game against Brighton at the American Express Stadium on August 16.