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By: Ebenezer Bajela
Ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations second Group A clash against Ivory Coast on Thursday (today), some fans have suggested that midfielder Alex Iwobi be benched following what they felt was a below-par performance from the Fulham star during the Super Eagles opening clash against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Football-crazy fans back home felt the Eagles began their quest for a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast on the wrong foot, after settling for a 1-1 draw against National Thunder in their first game of the 2023 tournament at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.
In the game against the EquatoGuineans, Iwobi created two big chances and also completed two key passes – the same number as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Iban Salvador and Jose Machin.
However, the former Arsenal man was slow to react to the pass that led to Salvador’s goal for Equatorial Guinea, which irked some of the fans.
The Eagles and the Elephants will meet for the seventh time at the AFCON at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, Abidjan today and comments on X suggested that a lot of football faithful want the Fulham midfielder benched.
Olaitan wrote, “Iwobi should be dropped. I think his best play was in the second half when he played behind Osimhen as No.8 if I’m not mistaken, but he creates absolutely zero chances. Maybe (Joe) Aribo will have to do something better as No.10 if he starts.”
Sakanell also tweeted, “Iwobi needs to warm the bench.”
Still angered by the goal conceded, Olayode Olayinka said, “For me, Iwobi was nowhere to be found in the game, he was the cause of the goal we conceded and the midfield was flat he can’t even mark, it was a real shambolic performance from him.”
Not mincing words, Olufowobi Olatunde wrote, “Iwobi should be on the bench. Onyeka, Alhassan and Onyedika are fresh and hungry.”
“Onyeka can do it again and better. Iwobi is just a waste of time,” Shuaib Ajao said.
BaffleD by the number of minutes the 27-year-old gets in the national team, Ijoba Haywhiii responded, “The reason why Iwobi gets to be in every match day squad is what I don’t know.”
