Former Super Eagles striker John Utaka is full of admiration for Alex Iwobi due to the current form of the Fulham midfielder.
Utaka appreciates the talent of the player and his importance to the national team – the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Alex Iwobi has been delivering impressive performances this season, solidifying his position as arguably Marco Silva’s most important asset in the team.
The Super Eagles midfielder bagged a brace in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Brighton on Thursday to take his tally in the league to 5 with 3 assists as well.
While Utaka admires the form of the 28-year-old at Fulham, the ex-international demands that Iwobi replicates what he does at his club in the Super Eagles.
John Utaka made these remarks on a show on Brila FM recently.
“Alex is a good player; we all know that. But he has to keep the same determination when he comes to the national team because this is the country, not a club side,” Utaka remarked.
“When you come to the national team, you don’t have a year to prepare or play together; you only have about a week. So, players have to be even more serious and committed to putting in the work.”
“It’s about consistency. He has to carry that same consistency from the club to the national team and give 200%, just as he does for his club.”
Alex Iwobi has been in the national team set up since 2015 when he made his debut in Super Eagles 2-0 loss to DR Congo in an international friendly.
Iwobi has since then soldified his place in the national team making him one of the most consistent players in the team.
One of Iwobi’ most memorable performances was his second half late strike against Zambia in Uyo in 2017 which sealed Super Eagles qualifaication for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Alex Iwobi currently has 10 goals and 83 caps for the Super Eagles.