In a candid interview, Alex Iwobi, a prominent player of the Nigerian national football team, has opened up about his adjusted responsibilities within head coach Jose Peseiro’s innovative 3-4-3 system.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s hotly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final showdown with Angola, Iwobi revealed that he and teammate Frank Onyeka have been entrusted with the crucial task of dictating play and contributing to team defense.
According to Iwobi, Peseiro has instructed him to prioritize ball retention and tactical control, while allowing other attacking talents such as Chukwueze, Moses, Lookman, and Victor to take the lead in offensive maneuvers. This strategic shift reinforces the team’s depth of creativity while emphasizing a collective defensive mindset.
“I have been told to manage and keep the ball for my team. They don’t really need much from me when they’re creating up-front,” explained Iwobi, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the team’s success.
His statement further underlined the coach’s directive for him and Onyeka to exert influence in midfield to fortify the team’s overall defensive capabilities. “There’s Chukwueze, Moses, Lookman, and Victor who can do that, so we have a lot of creativity. I and Frank have been told to control the game as much as we can, and first of all, to defend as a team. I’m trying to do my job for the team,” Iwobi expressed, emphasizing the collective nature of their defensive duties and affirming his dedication to fulfilling his new role.
Iwobi’s revelation offers a fascinating insight into the intricate tactical adjustments and collective ethos underpinning Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, adding an extra layer of anticipation and curiosity for fans as the competition progresses.
