There have been some people who seem to always complain about Alex Iwobi in this year's Nation's Cup and I am tempted to believe that they do not really understand football or do not appreciate enough what Iwobi brings to the team.

As a matter of fact, Iwobi's performance at this nation's cup is the best I have seen him perform. For those who are wondering what he does, the following are a few of the things I have observed that he does well.

When the 2 main defenders are playing with the ball looking for how to take it out of the defense into the midfield, Iwobi usually moves backward and makes himself available to the defenders to have an option of someone to pass to. If he did not do that they would have been forced to always shoot long balls hoping that someone would pick it up, but with Iwobi taking the ball from them, he is able to transition from defense into the midfield and hopefully to the attack.

Another thing Iwobi does is to switch play from one section of the field to the other. He is practically the only one who if he notices that the left is blocked, switches play to the other wing of the field where it looks like there is no congestion.

Also, you really have to be football blind not to notice how he is able to make through passes that sometimes split defenses. Sometimes defencers cut off those passes, which is what makes many think that he makes wrong passes. No, that is the work of defenders to try and cut those kinds of passes. Usually, it only takes one of those passes that a defender needs to convert.

Another thing that the coach will appreciate Iwobi for is that he does not hold on to the ball unnecessarily... he holds the ball, looks up, and finds the best option to pass to, or sometimes tries to drive the ball forward before laying the pass. He has excelled in this duty so far.

He also contributes towards defense. He does not do it aggressively though, which is what will lead me to some of his weak points.

Now before you think I am a paid hack, here are a few weaknesses of his.

Iwobi's form of defense is to be in the face of the attacking player... basically limiting the options that the player has to pass.
From the way he plays, I believe he has told himself that he does not plan to get injured in this tournament. So, if there is a 50-50 chance to get the ball, forget it Iwobi's leg will not attempt that kind of defense. That was what happened in the first match when we conceded a goal, it was a 50-50 situation but rather than throw his leg into the defense, he would rather let the attacker go with the ball.

Another thing not working in his favor is his lack of confidence in front of goal. While he is confident in the mid-field, he panics when he gets a chance inside the 18-yard box. This same situation happened against Cameroon that warranted the goalkeeper to lash out at him. It happened once against SA.

As I said, I believe he promised himself that he would carry his two legs back to his club, otherwise his performance in the competition has been very decent.

saddler:

Was Mikel Obi a creative midfielder?

Seagodess:
mikel obi of 2005.. pls be corrected

thevoicenews:
Video of One on One Session with Minister of Sport, Sen. John Ehoh and Alex Iwobi

Watch video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Som4bZFTmsc

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, had a one on one session with Alex Iwobi following the cyberbullying the

He encourages Iwobi and assures him that the majority of the fans recognize his efforts and are grateful to the entire team for bringing back the silver medal.

He said, “You did your best for your country and i am proud of you.The leadership and the rest of the country is proud of you.Those who are not are in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country, so just be strong. You did your best, you are part of a team that brought home a silver medal which the country last won at AFCON 2000, which is 23 years ago.You put in your best, thankyou very much “.

Watianoengineer:
Let's forgive him even though the rubbish they played cut my ticket

Okoroawusa:
Okay but they shouldn't invite him again. He doesn't know what he is playing again.

9jatriot:
A lot of people who criticize Iwobi do so because he is a soft target. The fact is, he actually played very well in this tournament.
This is what I wrote about him in this thread: https://www.nairaland.com/7997465/only-one-appreciates-role-alex

Watianoengineer:
Let's forgive him even though the rubbish they played cut my ticket

Mabouchibunmi:
Arguably our best player in this tournament

kokoA:
We forgive him but I use God beg any other coach after Peisero not to invite him again.