Exclusive: What Super Eagles’ Manager Need to Learn From Marco Silva's Usability of Iwobi, Says Ben Akwuegbu

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has been in impressive form for his club, Fulham, this season, with eight goal contributions already.

However, his performances for the Super Eagles have been a subject of debate, with many calling for his retirement from the national team.

So far this season in the Fulham shirt, Iwobi has made eight goal contributions, five goals, and three assists in 15 appearances. The tally registered this season so far is higher than his goal contributions last season.

But is it fair to criticise Iwobi, or is he simply a victim of circumstance?

The experience factor

According to former Super Eagles player, consultant to Plateau United, and certified nurse in the UK, Ben Akwuegbu, Iwobi's experience is still invaluable to the national team.

"For me, I think we need Iwobi with his experience," Akwuegbu told SportsBoom.com. "He has done so well for the Super Eagles, played lots of games in the English Premier League, and gathered lots of experience. This experience is needed in the Super Eagles."

A question of positioning

Meanwhile, the contrasting performances of club and country have become a subject matter amongst football fans about the 28-year-old player.

Akwuegbu believes that Iwobi's positioning on the pitch could be a factor in his differing performances for club and country. He then advised that the national team coach should look into the position he plays in Fulham compared to the super Eagles. 

"Sometimes, it depends on the liberty the coaches give to the players," he said. "Club football is quite different from national team football, because in the national team, you play with different kinds of players who come together once in a while, unlike the club team where they train regularly and understand their playing style and patterns."

The Osimhen example

Akwuegbu cites the example of Victor Osimhen, who has struggled to replicate his club form for the national team. "Look at it, Osimhen is kept alone upfront in Nigeria, but while with Galatasaray, he has players by the flanks to support him and from the midfield also," Akwuegbu explained.

"But when he comes to Nigeria, at the AFCON, he works too much, comes back and runs forward all the time, which is very stressful for a striker."

Understanding Iwobi's strengths

Akwuegbu believes that the key to unlocking Iwobi's potential for the national team is to understand his strengths and play to them. "What I would say is that Iwobi is a fantastic player, so we just need to understand him so well and create the confidence for him to play to his strength," he said.

"Playing in the Premier League is an edge already because to play in such a league and even playing so well, you must be of quality."