How Everton Players Fared on the International Stage
By Marley Pope
Alex Iwobi-Nigeria
Blues midfielder Alex Iwobi featured in both matches against Guinea-Bissau, losing the first match in frustrating fashion on March 24, 1-0, but bouncing back and beating the Djurtus 1-0 on March 27. In the first match, Iwobi was on the ball the most for the Super Eagles, completing 66/73 passes, 2/3 crosses, and 5/6 accurate long balls.
He also garnered the most passes into the final third of any player with thirteen and added two shots. Nigeria controlled the game with 68 percent possession, double the total shots, and nine more shots in the box. However, a 29th-minute score from striker Mama Balde proved enough to give Guinea-Bissau a key win away from home.
Moving into match number two Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro made five changes to the lineup, hoping for a better result. Iwobi did much of the same, completing the most passes in the match (53) and creating three chances. This time around, a 30th-minute penalty converted by Moses Simon pushed Nigeria atop group A with nine points.
Nigeria’s next opportunity to control group A with be against Sierra Leone in June, where last time out Nigeria won 2-1, with a goal from Iwobi in June of 2022. Iwobi has started all 28 premier league matches this season for Everton, and will look to regain some form since his last goal contribution was on February 18th against Leeds United.