Nigeria, Jan. 3 -- With the group stage dust settled and the stakes sharply raised, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are bracing for the unforgiving realities of knockout football at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite a flawless run of three wins from three games, Alex Iwobi has issued a clear message to Nigerian fans and teammates alike: standards must not drop, intensity must not fade.

Nigeria stormed through the group phase with maximum points, but the midfielder insists past results count for little once the Round of 16 begins. The margins are thinner, the pressure heavier, and complacency, he warns, can be fatal.

"Of course, we have got three wins out of three games. We cannot get complacent, but I am enjoying my time here," Iwobi told...