Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has highlighted the factor behind poor stats as regards goal contributions, after managing just two assists in 32 games for the Nigerian national team.
The 28-year-old midfielder has always been a polarizing figure when playing for Nigeria, with his performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations a no exception.
Despite playing in every match and only missing one start, Iwobi failed to score or assist a goal throughout the competition, which led to a lot of criticism after Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the final.
Having assumed a deeper role during the AFCON, the attacking midfielder was unable to score or register an assist, however, he was not spared from being criticised.
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He has only scored or assisted 16 goals for Nigeria in 81 games.
But recently, he’s been allowed to play further up the field, which has reflected in his recent performances for the team, registering two assists in his last five games, which he referenced during a discussion addressing his lack of goal contributions for Nigeria.
Iwobi on his lack of goal contributions for the Super Eagles
Iwobi explained the rationale for his lack of goal involvement for Nigeria in an interview with 54footballx, in contrast to when playing for his club side Fulham.
He said:
“My role for the national team and club side are two different roles. When I play I am told to keep the ball and not really go forward as much until recently with this new manager. He wants me to get forward as much as I can.
“Before I was told to sit back to let the attackers do the attacking. At least, you control the midfield or try to control the midfield.
“Whereas for my club side, I have the license to go and express myself a bit more, get attacking, get into goal-scoring opportunities; that is the big difference.”
Iwobi will now look to capitalise on his new advanced role, as he looks to increase his goal and assist tally for the Super Eagles, with Nigeria’s upcoming two-leg tie against Libya presenting the right opportunity to do so.
