Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the contrasting roles he plays for Fulham and the Nigeria national team, explaining why he finds it easier to score and assist while playing in the Premier League. At 28 years old, Iwobi has become a key figure at Fulham, where his attacking contributions have flourished. However, his record with the Super Eagles tells a different story, with only two assists in 32 appearances, a statistic that has drawn questions from Nigerian fans, according to a 9am news report.
In a recent interview with 54footballx, Iwobi explained that his limited goal contributions at the international level stem from the tactical instructions he receives while playing for Nigeria. These instructions, he revealed, often restrict his attacking freedom and limit his ability to make forward runs or create scoring chances.
“When I’m here (with the Super Eagles), I’m taught to keep the ball and not really go forward as much,” Alex Iwobi said, highlighting that his role is more defensive when playing in the national team. He went on to add that his primary responsibility is to control the midfield and support the team’s overall structure rather than push into attacking spaces.
In contrast, Iwobi enjoys a much greater level of attacking freedom at Fulham. The Premier League side gives him the license to make forward runs, find attacking spaces, and get into goal-scoring positions opportunities that are less frequent in his role with the Super Eagles.
“I was taught to sit back and let the attackers do the attacking; at least I control the midfield,” Iwobi added. “Whereas at club side, I have the freedom to express myself a bit more, get attacking, and get into goal-scoring opportunities. So that’s the big difference.”
Since his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015, Iwobi has earned 67 caps, contributing to 13 goals. Despite his tactical restrictions at the national level, he remains an integral part of Nigeria’s midfield. However, his recent comments shine a light on the challenges many players face when transitioning between club football and international duties.
As Fulham continues to utilize Iwobi’s attacking prowess, his role at the club level is set to keep evolving. On the international stage, the midfielder’s tactical discipline remains key to Nigeria’s overall game plan, but fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether a shift in strategy could unlock his full potential for the Super Eagles.
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