Alex Iwobi said he is more involved in controlling games for Nigeria than creating chances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Fulham star has been deployed in a deep-lying role in the Super Eagles which has limited his creativity flair and thus, creation of chances for the forwards.
During a press conference on Thursday ahead of the quarter-final match against Angola, Iwobi noted that he has been partnering Frank Onyeka to anchor Nigeria’s midfield.
The former Arsenal star continues to show his versatility by playing roles like wing-back, left winger, right winger, left midfield, attacking midfield, central midfield or false nine for club and country.
Iwobi told the media: “I have been told to manage the ball and keep the ball for my team, I mean they don’t really need much from me when you have creative players up front, we have Victor, Chukwueze, Lookman, Simon.
“There is a lot of creativity up front so the role me and Frank have been told to play is to control the game as much as we can but first and foremost, defend as a team.
“Whether it is me creating or not, there is going to be alot of other quality players doing the job. I’m trying to do my job for the team and I will do anything to help the team win.”
Iwobi who has played in every of the Super Eagles’ games in Ivory Coast so far, expressed confidence in Jose Peseiro’s team as they aim for a fourth AFCON title.
“We have to give respect to Angola because to get to where we are in the stage of the competition is a big achievement itself,” he said.
“In their last match, they scored three goals which is not easy and they have a lot of creative players but I trust my team, we have been keeping clean sheets and we have only conceded one goal so hopefully that continues as well.
“We will need the whole team to defend, we are going to fight for the team, fight for the win because it is not going to be easy. I have confidence in my team that we will be able to withstand any pressure.”
