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Tag: Alex Iwobi

  • 2026 World Cup Race: Zimbabwe match is our main focus now – Iwobi

    2026 World Cup Race: Zimbabwe match is our main focus now – Iwobi

    Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi has explained that the team has put the 1-1 draw against Lesotho behind them to concentrate on Tuesday’s clash with Zimbabwe in Kigali.

    According to him, Super Eagles must not dwell too much on their disappointing 1-1 draw against Lesotho.

    Iwobi stated that the game against Zimbabwe should be the main focus now.

    “Not the result we feel we deserve, but we can’t dwell on this, got many more games to come… We’ll continue to fight & push! Iwobi wrote via his X handle.

    The Super Eagles had couple of chances to bury the game but missed them.

    Jose Peseiro’s side extended their unbeaten streak to six games but would have desired a better result from the game.

    Super Eagles will look to defeat the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Kigali to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive

     

  • Alex Iwobi shares details of first experience with Wizkid

    Alex Iwobi shares details of first experience with Wizkid

    Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi has said singer, Wizkid showed him “love” when he was still finding his rhythm as a footballer.

    According to Iwobi, Wizkid was “nice” to him when they first met “even though he didn’t know who I was at the time.”

    Speaking in a recent interview with Oma Sports TV, Iwobi said Wizkid’s concert at Tottenham stadium earlier this year “is my favourite Nigerian show, I really enjoyed myself.”

    He described Wizkid as a “nice and very humble guy.”

    He said, “Wizkid’s show at Tottenham stadium is my favorite Nigerian show, I really enjoyed myself. I didn’t get to meet him that day. But I’ve met him previous times and he’s a very nice and very humble guy.

    “The first time I met him, he showed me love when he first met me even though he didn’t know who I was at the time.

    “I’ve seen him in stores and even in the club as well, and he has always showed me so much love. He is someone that I really respect.”

  • International Friendlies: Jose Peseiro releases team list for Saudi, Mozambique matches

    International Friendlies: Jose Peseiro releases team list for Saudi, Mozambique matches

    Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has recalled defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi to the Super Eagles’ squad for this month’s international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal. The quartet were absent from the team that demolished Sao Tome and Principe in last month’s 2023 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.

     

    Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, of Hatayaspor FC of Turkey gets his first-ever invitation, while Peseiro has decided to retain the trio of Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Olorunleke Ojo in goal. Yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha is also called.

     

    Wilfred Ndidi, who captained the team against Sao Tome and Principe, as well as Raphael Onyedika and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho have also been invited.

     

    The Super Eagles take on the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in the city of Portimão, Portugal on Friday, 13th October 2023, starting at 5pm before a clash with the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city three days later.

     

    The players are all expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on Tuesday, 10th October.

     

    Both encounters have been arranged as tune-up games for the Eagles ahead of the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, in which the three-time African champions host Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo on 17th November before travelling away to play Zimbabwe four days later.

     

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

     

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

     

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

     

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayaspor FC, Turkey)

     

    Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

  • EPL: Why I joined Fulham – Alex Iwobi

    EPL: Why I joined Fulham – Alex Iwobi

    Super Eagles Midfielder, Alex Iwobi has revealed why he left English Premier League side, Everton for London based club side,  Fulham FC.

    Iwobi made the move to Fulham on the last day of the transfer deadline.

    The deal was worth, £22m including add-ons for the mercurial Midfielder.

    The Nigeria international will get the chance to work with Marco Silva again after their time together at Everton.

    According to Iwobi,  Silva played a key role in his move to the Craven Cottage.

    “Marco Silva spoke to me and told me about the ambitions of the club,[Fulham], and where he wants to go,” Iwobi told the club’s official website.

    “I’m on board, and I’m hoping I can bring something to Fulham. He wants me to challenge things and I feel like he gave me the confidence boost. I hope I’m able to repay the faith.”

    Iwobi is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to make his debut for Fulham after the international break.

  • EPL: Fulham eyes Super Eagles Midfileder, Alex Iwobi

    EPL: Fulham eyes Super Eagles Midfileder, Alex Iwobi

    Nigeria and Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi could be heading to Fulham Football Club  before the transfer deadline.

    Fulham FC have held talks with Everton to sign the Nigeria International.

    The Midfield maestro could be heading back to London; four years after leaving  Arsenal for Everton.

    The Nigerian has just one year left on his deal with the Toffees.

    The report also said that Everton is willing to part ways with the 27-year-old.

    Iwobi has scored nine goals in 140 games for Everton in all.

    He is currently battling a hamstring injury.

    Europe transfer deadline will end on the midnight of September 1st, 2023.

  • Nigeria Pitch Awards: 9TH Award Ceremony Winners

    Nigeria Pitch Awards: 9TH Award Ceremony Winners

    Super Eagles and Italian Serie A top scorer, Victor James Osimhen and FC Barcelona Femeni top finisher, Asisat Oshoala were named the King and Queen of the Pitch respectively at the 9th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards held at the Johnwood Hotel, Abuja on Friday 24th March 2023.

    Award organizers insisted on staging the colourful ceremony despite the Super Eagles’ shock loss to the national team of Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium earlier.

    Speaking at the well attended ceremony, Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards stated that one shock loss by the team should not obliterate the exploits and achievements of the players and the entire team.

    ‘The Eagles are ranked 5th in Africa; they have 19 appearances at the AFCON finals and have emerged winners 3 times. The Eagles have made 6 appearances at the World Cup finals since 1994.’

    Speaking further, Philips said in the current season in Europe, Victor Osimhen had scored 21 goals in the extremely competitive Italian Serie A; Asisat Oshoala had netted 18 goals in the Spanish Ladies Premier League. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey have helped their respective teams to successful outings.’

    ‘We also cannot ignore the exploits of our local coaches, administrators, football sponsors and football journalists. These people have put in their best and deserve to be identified, recognized and honoured. We have a lot to celebrate’, Philips concluded.

    The Award Ceremony was witnessed by AIG Aishatu Abubakar, the highest ranking woman police officer in the NPF, AIG Olukayode Egbetokun, AIG Zone 7, members of the Super Eagles, representative of SIAO Partners, Mr Alan and Mr Elli of Hawthorn Suites and guests.

    Francis Uzoho, the AC Omonoia Nicosia FC shot stopper was named the Goalkeeper of the Year while the AFC Ajax left-back Calvin Bassey emerged the Defender of the Year. Alex Iwobi, who has averaged a total of 39 passes per match with a pass completion rate of 80 percent, and has 6 assists for his English Premier League side, Everton FC, won the Midfielder of the Year and the current Napoli FC goal poacher, Victor Osimhen also picked up the Striker of the Year award for the second season.

     

    In the other categories, the NPFL defending champions and The Pride of Rivers, Rivers United won the Team of the Year while Stanley Eguma, one of the longest serving coaches in the NPFL and coach of Rivers United carted home the Coach of the Year award. Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, Former 1st Vice-President of the NFF and organizer of the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation Mini-Tournament, who won the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian football, who won the award last year, retained the award for a second time.

    Lagos State again emerged the State with the Best Grassroots Football

    Development Programme at the 9th Award Ceremony. The Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium in Uyo was voted the best Football Pitch of the Year while His Excellency, Nyesom Wike CON, the Executive Governor of Rivers State was voted the Football Friendly Governor of the Year for the second time. Nigeria’s sport betting giant, BET9JA emerged Corporate Sponsor of Football Award.

    In the media categories, Johnny Edward, Punch Newspapers correspondent was voted the Football Journalist of the Year – Print for the second time. The versatile Supersport presenter, Mozez Praiz, starved off stiff competition from Promise Efoghe (Television Continental) and Cecilia Omoregbe (Channels TV) to emerge winner of the Football Journalist of the Year – TV.

    In the Football Journalist of the Year – Radio category, Tony Bekederemo of Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM emerged winner for the third time since first winning it in 2018. Tobi Samuel Adepoju of Oganla Media won the Football Journalist of The Year – Online category.

    The Nigeria Pitch Awards was first staged in 2013 in Calabar, the Cross Rivers state capital. Since it’s maiden edition, it has remained steadfast and committed to the annual event. While explaining the unique nature of the awards, Nelson Olafisoye, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Pitch Awards stated that there are over 150 primary voters spread across the 36 states and the FCT.

    ‘All votes are collated and verified by SIAO Partners, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous accounting firm. After collation and auditing, the results are then announced by the accounting firm. This is why the awards is arguably the only sport awards in Nigeria and one of the few audited awards in Africa’, he concluded.

  • Iwobi makes promise to Nigerians after loss to Guinea Bissau

    Iwobi makes promise to Nigerians after loss to Guinea Bissau

    Everton and Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi has made a promise to Nigeria fans, begging them to forgive them after their defeat to the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau on Friday in Abuja.

    Iwobi made this comment shortly after the Super Eagles lost to the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau.

    Ligue 1 side Troyes forward, Mama Balde scored in the 29th minute to give the visitors the lead that eventually resulted to their first win against the visitor.

    Jose Peseiro’s men have now dropped to second position in Group A following the defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

    “First and foremost, as players and staff, we know we’ve got to react to this result,” Iwobi told the media after the game.

    “All we can do is to improve, and to all the fans, all I can say is that they should stick by us and support us because we give 100% not just for ourselves but also for our nation.

    “Next time, we’re going to do our best and make the country proud.

    “We know we’re privileged to wear the shirt, there are a lot of people who want to be in this position.”

    The Everton player added: “I don’t think we played under pressure. Like the coach [Peseiro] said, they scored with the only chance they created in the game.”

    Nigeria will now face Guinea-Bissau in the return leg on Monday.

  • EPL: Alex Iwobi’s return date revealed by Everton’s Medics

    EPL: Alex Iwobi’s return date revealed by Everton’s Medics

    Super Eagles and Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi’s return date has been revealed by the Toffees medics after a scan was carried out on the player’s ankle injury.

    According to the medics’ report, the player will be back in exactly two weeks’ time.

    Recall that Iwobi was badly brought down by Tyrell Malacia in Everton’s Emirates FA Cup 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday night.

    Iwobi’s injury was initially feared that it would be a lengthy one but the Everton medics have allayed such fears.

    “Appreciate The Love, Back Soon,” Iwobi wrote on his Twitter handle.

    The 26-year-old has played every minute of Everton’s 18 Premier League games this season.

    The Nigeria international has been voted Everton’s best player so far this season after putting up impressive performances on a regular basis for the Toffees.

  • Everton legend, Alan Stubbs decries Iwobi’s ankle Injury

    Everton legend, Alan Stubbs decries Iwobi’s ankle Injury

    Everton legend, Alan Stubbs has lent his voice over the injury suffered by Nigeria International Alex Iwobi during the Toffees 1-3 loss to Everton in an FA Cup encounter on Friday night.

    The Super Eagles Midfielder  was badly tackled by Holland defender, Tyrell Malacia in the second half of the encounter at Old Trafford.

    The on-form midfielder suffered an ankle injury as a result of the tackle.

    Iwobi was stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Frenchman Abdoulaye Dacoure

    The 26-year-old has featured regularly for the Toffees this season and there are fears he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

    The midfielder is expected to undergo a scan, Saturday to determine the extent of the injury.

    Stubbs stated that Everton, who are fighting relegation can’t afford to lose Iwobi to injury for a long spell.

    “Alex Iwobi has just gone over on his ankle and the ankle has gone inside. I’m hoping he hasn’t done his ankle ligaments because it looks like that,” Stubbs told the BBC.

    “I’m hoping what we’re seeing now is just precautionary but Iwobi looks upset. Players know when something is bad.”

  • Fulham manager, Silva describes Everton’s Iwobi as a great talent

    Fulham manager, Silva describes Everton’s Iwobi as a great talent

    Fulham manager, Marco Silva has identified the talent of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi ahead of match day 14 with Everton in the English premier League.

    Silva said Alex Iwobi is  a  great talent and Everton’s key man ahead of the Premier League meeting between both clubs.

    Fulham play host to Everton at the Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.

    Iwobi was signed by Silva in 2019 during the Portuguese reign as Everton’s manager.

    The Nigeria international initially struggled at the Merseyside failing to impress under managers, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez.

    But the arrival of Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard has seen him become an important player at the club.

    Iwobi was adjudged Man of the Match in Everton’s 3-0 home win against Crystal Palace last weekend.

    The 26-year-old provided two assists in the encounter.

    “Iwobi is doing well and showing the quality I knew he had,” Silva was quoted as saying by West London Sport.

    “He can play out wide or in the middle like he is now and is a dynamic player.

    “It is clear to me that he is helping Everton a lot on and off the ball and the players around him are giving him the support to play with a bit more freedom as well.”

    Iwobi has so far scored one goal and recorded five assists in 12 league appearances this season.