Why coaches love Iwobi – Sodje

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Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has identified tactical discipline, rather than natural ability alone, as the quality that has made Alex Iwobi a favourite among the managers he has worked under throughout his career in England, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Sodje, speaking in an interview with Footy Africa, said Iwobi’s willingness to play within a system and follow instructions precisely was the defining characteristic that had elevated him beyond what his raw talent alone might have achieved.

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“Iwobi has always been a player that plays to a structure, and I think that is why he has got so many managers that really like him,” Sodje said. “His ability alone is not what is getting him where he is. I think his discipline of how to play to a system has made him the player he has become.”

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The former Brentford centre-back also reflected on Iwobi’s development into a senior Super Eagles figure, saying the midfielder’s longevity in English football had shaped him into one of Nigeria’s most reliable internationals.

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“I think he has improved so much because of the career he has had in England. I know how tough it is — we have to give him a lot of respect. He grew up in our face, and it is scary to say he will be 30, but he has come to be a very experienced and important player for the national team,” the 46-year-old said.

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Iwobi turned 30 on Sunday but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Fulham’s goalless draw against Brentford, having been forced off during the contest and replaced by Samuel Chukwueze.

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Fulham manager Marco Silva said he remained hopeful the midfielder would return before the end of the season, though he ruled him out of the club’s fixture against Aston Villa.

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“Really bad news to lose a player like Alex Iwobi. It is difficult to say a timescale, but back before the end of the season,” Silva said.

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Iwobi has made 27 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists across 2,279 minutes of football.

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His absence is also being monitored by Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, with the midfielder expected to feature in upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

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