Alex Iwobi Reveals How Coach Peseiro Tactics Stall His AFCON Performance

Alexander Iwobi

Iwobi discusses how Peseiro's strategies destroyed his creative instinct for the Super Eagles during the AFCON

 

Super Eagles of Nigeria played their first of two friendlies in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh against Ghana in which they won 2 - 1.

This will be the squad's first reunion following their 1-2 loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final in February. Jose Peseiro, the head coach, resigned at the end of last month when his contract expired, so they will be without him. Findi George will manage the team.

Regarding his performance not being up to pace, the 27-year-old clarified that it was essentially a directive from the coach to play more defensively alongside Frank Onyeka, his teammate in a two-man midfield.

In an interview on the Project 17 YouTube channel, he said, “Obviously, being the host helps when the fans are dressed in orange, bro. It does help, although we weren't fazed but we just couldn't get the ball out of our half.”

When reflecting on the loss, Alex Iwobi, who participated in every match for Nigeria at the tournament, including the championship match, revealed how they were unable to respond to the host's strategies. He gave an explanation for his lack of creativity during the event.

“Playing a game every four games in those conditions (hot weather), it's not an excuse though but playing a game every four days in those conditions and the role I was asked to do alongside Frank is literally like second balls, run, keep the ball.

“Obviously everybody is like why is Alex not being creative but I was told to keep the ball, manage the ball, change it from left to right, we have wing backs that can support. We've got Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon that can create. Victor is a goal scorer he is lethal. All you have to do Alex and Frank is sit and manage the game,” he continued before discussing the poor response to the Ivorian setup that resulted in the loss in the tournament's championship game.

“Moreso defensively is like when Semi Ajayi or Kenneth Omeruo is heading the ball you have to be there. That's the role I was told to do. Against the team of Ivory Coast. Who have definitely analyze our games. They have put Kessie (Franck) who is pinning me back but doesn't want to go to Calvin. So I am dropping deep.

“They have got Serri managing the game, so obviously it's hard for Victor to control or dictate that one defender or one CDM. Then they have got Fofana on the other side trying to pin Frank back. So we didn't know how to handle that.

“It's hard to adjust so we just had to continue doing what we have been doing every game which is being defensive. Coming back, trying to make sure we are solid at the back. It was hard to get to the ball. It was hard to press,” he concluded.