The name “IWOBI ” was buzzing on every Nigerian lips on Saturday night after the Arsenal star representing his country, Nigeria, in the ongoing Africa cup of nations against their West African neighbors and defending Champions , Cameroon, raced onto a through ball from teammate and Shanghai shenhua forward Odion Ighalo, slotting it into the back of the net to convert the decisive goal that broke Cameroonian hearts and swayed the game in Nigeria’s favour.
The game ended 3-2 in favour of Nigeria, granting the West African footballing behemoths passage into the quarterfinal stage of the biggest African Footballing showpiece, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON2019), the hero, iwobi, showing up and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck when the country needed it the most. This is not the first time in his international career that the Arsenal forward came up clutch in the service of his country though, his 73rd minute winner against Zambia last year to guarantee Nigeria’s spot in last year’s FIFA WORLD CUP, another example of the star donning his superman outfit and showing up when his nation needed a saviour. There is little wonder then for every mention of his name in the lips of Nigerians in the country and diaspora to be met with positive ravings and remarks.
A stark contrast in comparison to his standing among fans in his club side, Arsenal, where a bemused, nonchalant response is regularly met at the mention of his names in forums, blogs and discussion by Arsenal fans worldwide. According to those Arsenal fans, the argument against his regular inclusion on matchday squad lies on his supposed lack of goalscoring output for a winger. During his five(5) seasons as an Arsenal player he’s played 192 matches and scored 15 goals,an average of 0.11 goals per game in club competitions.
Last season,he averaged 0.06 goals per game, scored 3 goals in 52 club matches. In the just concluded 2018/2019 season for Arsenal, he recorded a total of 51 shots, of which 21 were shots on goal, admittedly undeniably shocking statistics from an attacking outlet of a major European club. Little wonder then why his critics are usually out in droves on social media when he dons the north London club-side Jersey.
What he lacks in goalscoring output he makes up for it though with ball-carrying ability, intelligent runs, and untiring work rate, qualities that have proved invaluable to the Arsenal cause on multiple occasions.
Another important factor that is usually ignored is his position in the Arsenal team compared to his national team. His deployment in the wings by then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and current boss Unai Emery is in contrast to the attacking midfield role he’s regularly slotted in by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr in the national team setup, a position he’s obviously more comfortable and by all indications more decisive at. His ability to control the tempo of the game with accurate passes, reading of the game, strength and stamina has been crystal clear for football fans to witness. He’s simply been the orchestra of the super Eagles(as they’re fondly called) of Nigeria’s Midfield and if his showing in the ongoing nations cup is anything to go by, it’s about time he replaces another maligned Arsenal player, Ozil in the attacking Midfield setup permanently instead of being shunted aside with little goalscoring effect to the wings.