Alex Iwobi key to Eagles’ AFCON success – Oliseh

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, believes Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi will be key to Nigeria’s success at the 2019 Africa Cup Of Nat...

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, believes Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi will be key to Nigeria’s success at the 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations in Egypt should he play to his full potential.


Iwobi has scored five goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances for Nigeria since he made his international debut under Oliseh.


“With Iwobi playing the way he is, we would not be lacking creatively at the AFCON if he maintains his form,” Oliseh said.


The former national team captain also notes that the addition of Paul Onuachu gives the team more options in attack while adding that Gernot Rohr’s team must have a very good line of defence to clinch a fourth AFCON title.



“Paul Onuachu is another good one. He brought back memories of what Yekini used to do back then. To me with these guys in our attacking line-up, we have much more options.


“A team is as good as your defence line. Anybody can attack, but can your team soak in the pressure? Your team will absolve all that is thrown at them once you have a good defence.”


The Super Eagles are making a return to the AFCON tournament after missing out on the last two editions.


Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes Iwobi has gained more confidence by playing regularly for Arsenal this term.


The Nigeria international has scored four goals and provided four assists in 38 games for the Gunners this season.


“Iwobi, Bernd Leno also, is taking little by little more confidence and is stronger in the goal,” the former Paris Saint Germain gaffer admitted in an interview with COPA90.


“Each player can help us improve 10, 15 or 20 per cent.”


The 22-year-old is expected to make his 19th start for Arsenal when they travel to the Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.


Arsenal are undefeated in their last six Premier League games and sit fourth in the table while Everton have won their last two matches in a row to climb to 10th, and could move as high as eighth with a win , depending on how other results go.