Super Eagles of Nigeria and Everton FC of England midfielder, Alex Iwobi has stated that he enjoyed playing alongside former Nigerian national team captain, Mikel Obi, and former Super Eagles centre forward, Odion Ighalo. Both players retired from the national team fold after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where the country finished third as bronze-medalist.
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Mikel and Ighalo were instrumental to the West Africans’ campaign ín Egypt with Ighalo emerging the highest goalscorer in what was his first AFCON and probably his last unless he makes a U-turn on his international decision, while Mikel’s experience was vital as he led the Nigerian team to the North African nation. Iwobi stated that he was a fan of Mikel’s physicality and composure on the ball during his time with the three time African champions.
I have learnt a lot from Mikel because we play similar positions. Whenever I’m called, I play behind the striker, that’s where he likes to play. In training, whilst watching him on the pitch, whilst I’m on the bench watching him, I’ve always learned, the way he’s physically capable to keep the ball in tight situations because playing in African culture there’s a lot more physicality, there’s a lot more strong duels, the way he’s able to use his body is something I have picked up and try to add to my game
Alex Iwobi
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The former Arsenal FC star while speaking about Ighalo noted his admiration for Ighalo’s finishing ability and aims to emulate the 30-year-old on-loan Manchester United star.
With Ighalo, the composure he has when he’s in the box, when he has the opportunity to score I’m trying to add to my game. It’s almost like when he’s clean through on goal, ninety percent of the time the ball is in the back of the net and not with a lot of power but with finesse and style to it. Hopefully, that’s something that not just me but the youngsters like Victor, it is something that we have to put a lot of respect for. Both of them talk to you, they try to help everyone, it was a blessing to play with both of them
Iwobi
Source:
Complete Sports
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