3 key passes in 4 games: Playmaker-turned-destroyer Iwobi explains why he’s not creating chances at AFCON 

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained the reason behind his struggles of not creating enough chances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations amid widespread criticism.

The 27-year-old has been heavily criticized particularly on social media for his lack of creativity at AFCON with some questioning his role in the team.

The Hale End academy product has started all but one game since the start of the competition and has been played alongside Frank Onyeka in the central midfield.

Besides the opening encounter against Equatorial Guinea, he has been asked to play a deeper role in José Peseiro’s 3-4-3 formation which has impacted his contribution in the attacking third.

Of the four matches he has played in, Iwobi has totaled three key passes, including two in the 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea where he was tasked with playmaking duties. 

Speaking in the pre-match conference ahead of the quarterfinal clash with Angola,  Iwobi explained the reason behind his lack of creativity in the tournament.

“I have been told to manage the ball & keep the ball for my team,” Iwobi said to reporters. 

“I mean you don’t really need much from me when you have creative players up front. There is Victor, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses, there is a lot of creativity going on up front.

“The role me and Frank and were told to do is to control the game as much as we can but first and foremost  defend as a team.

“So whether it is me creating or not, there are other quality players that can do the job. So, I am trying to do my job for the team, and like I said I would do anything to help the team. That is why I am here.”

The former Everton midfielder could have gotten himself on the scoresheet in the victory over Cameroon but fluffed his lines and will be hoping that doesn’t repeat itself in tomorrow’s clash if an opportunity comes his way.

With his participation in the pre-match press conference, he will likely be involved in some capacity against the Black Sable antelopes.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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