Alex Iwobi recently explained the difference between his Fulham and Super Eagles form in front of goal
Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the disparity between his scoring and assist numbers for club and country, shedding light on how different tactical roles affect his contributions in front of goal.
Iwobi’s club and national team records
As the top-scoring active Nigerian player in the Premier League, Iwobi has achieved a notable 23 goals.
The Fulham midfielder’s 31 assists in the Premier League is also the most by a Nigerian player in England’s top division, but his numbers for the national team tell a different story.
Despite being Fulham’s creative engine, Iwobi has managed only 10 goals and six assists in 80 appearances for the Nigerian national team.
Iwobi’s differing forms for club and country have caused concern for followers of the national, but the Super Eagles star has explained the factors behind the numbers.
Iwobi explains Super Eagles goalscoring numbers
In an interview with 54Fx, Iwobi explained the reason behind his contrasting form for Nigeria and Fulham, while noting the difference between the tactical setups of the Super Eagles' most recent coaches Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Austin Eguavoen.
"My role for my club side and my national team are two different roles," the Fulham midfielder said. "When I’m playing, I’m told to keep the ball and not really go forward as much, until recently with the new manager, who wants me to try to get forward as much as I can."
“Before I was told to sit back and let the attackers do the attacking, and I try to control the midfield.
“Whereas, at my club side, I have the license to go and express myself a bit more and get into goal-scoring opportunities, so that’s the biggest difference.”
With Nigeria set to face Libya in a double header for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Super Eagles fans are optimistic that with Eguavoen’s recent tactical shift, Iwobi could play a more decisive role in front of goal.