Super Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi has been officially named the Man of the Match following his stellar performance in Nigeria’s hard-fought 2–1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
While goals from debutant George Ilenikhena and substitute Moses Usor sealed the dramatic comeback, Iwobi’s tireless work rate, vision, and control in the center of the pitch proved vital in turning the game around.
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Dictating the Tempo
After Madagascar drew first blood in the first half, Iwobi stepped up to anchor the team’s response, constantly finding pockets of space and linking up play between the midfield and the attack.
The Fulham star delivered a brilliantly weighted pass right before halftime, setting up Ilenikhena to calmly slot home the equalizer that swung momentum back in favor of the hosts.
Midfield Dominance
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Partnering with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi completely dictated the rhythm of the game in the second half, paving the way for the mounting pressure that eventually led to Usor’s match-winning solo goal.
Iwobi’s stellar shift underscores his importance to the team as the Super Eagles kick off their quest for a ticket to the 2027 AFCON finals in style.
8 Comments
Iwobi is far better than other Super Eagles midfielders.
Iwobi is not a mildfielder, we are playing this guy in a wrong position.
We need to solve this problem now, same way we approach the goal keeping area.
The fundamental problem now is the middle.
This team won’t stop conceeding unless we have good mildfielders.
Iwobi is hard working .
No doubt he is the best when the S.E hv the ball but without the he is our weakest link in midfield. Cannot mark . Leaves lots of spaces for the opponent to exploit. For me he should always be played close to the strikers to get the best from him especially when playing top teams
@the end, he was chosen as Man of the match. Chikeina!
Chelle’s 4-4-2 formation is problematic.
Wike, that’s a very wiked comment. You spoke wikedly well.
Four four two, you hit the nail on the head. Please help us and shout this point you made from the roof top. We don talk taya. Play Iwobi closer to the strikers to get the best out of him!
I still don’t understand the rationale behind Chelle’s selection of only 4 midfielders for an Afcon qualifier. And one of them, Iwobi, is not even a proper midfielder! So we have only 3 midfielders available for selection. It seems Chelle dey look midfield less less.
Midfield is a very important area on the pitch. Games are often won and lost in the midfield. A team needs enough real midfielders in the squad for the midfield battles, especially against well coached, tactically sound opponents.
And what baffles me is that it’s not as if we don’t have options. Even if Nnadi is injured, what of Yusuf and Tijani? Ogbelu nko? Bring them in as options. Let Ndidi and co start, but let these young guys be there to learn and grow.
Chelle needs to do better in this regard. Na wa ooo!
Eric Chelle is now predictable. His game plan is predictable. The opposition only needs to know his team list and they will be able to guess his strategy/match plan.