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Tag: Iwobi

  • Iwobi to miss four matches for Everton

    Iwobi to miss four matches for Everton

    • May miss AFCON qualifiers

    Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi will not be part of Everton’s home game against Wolves tomorrow as well as their next three EPL  games, the Carling Cup and  the Nigeria’s dead-rubber 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe.

    Everton host Gary O’Neil’s men with both sides looking to kick-start their respective 2023/24 Premier League campaigns with a first win.

    Everton manager Sean Dyche will be without Iwobi who picked up a hamstring injury during the game with Aston Villa which they lost 4-0 at the Villa Park, with the Nigeria international to be sidelined for “a few weeks”, according to Dyche.

    Iwobi is expected to miss the clash with Doncaster Rovers (away) on August 30 and also match with Sheffield United billed for September 2.

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    He will also not be available for the Super Eagles game with Sao Tome and Principe even though Nigeria has already picked the ticket before the final game billed for September 10 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

    The Nigerian is expected to resume training immediately after the international break ahead of their September 16 EPL tie against his boyhood club, Arsenal at the Goodison Park.

    It is yet to be determined if he will be fully ready for the tie with the Gunners or if they will have to wait for his return a week later ahead of their game with Brentford (away) slated for September 23rd . Iwobi who featured in all Everton’s 38 EPL games last season was one of only three players to do so last season as the Blues made another miraculous comeback to remain in the EPL despite flirting with the relegation zone for most part of last season.

  • Ighalo, Musa, Iwobi are top contenders

    The next Nigeria Footballer of the Year would emerge at a prestigious AITEO-NFF Football Awards taking place tonight at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Undoubtedly, out of all the players eligible for the award Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi have posted exceptional outings for country and clubs.

    For instance, Ighalo scored seven goals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, the most by any player on the continent, to help Nigeria qualify for the finals in Egypt later this year.

    At club level, Ighalo scored 21 goals in 28 matches for Changchun Yatai to emerge the second highest goal scorer in the Chinese Super League last season.

    After Changchun Yatai’s relegation, Ighalo joined Shanghai Greenland Shenhua on February 14, 2019 where he has already scored two goals in three matches.

    Ahmed Musa has been a worthy captain of the Super Eagles in the absence of John Mikel Obi who has not played for the national team after the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring twice against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    On 4 August 2018, Musa moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for a reported fee of £14.5 million. He has since scored five goals for the Riyadh based side.

    22-year-old Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi has been a solid defensive midfielder for the Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team.

    Alex Iwobi is probably having his best season for Arsenal after joining the Gunners while still in elementary school in 2004.

    Iwobi’s 40 appearances in all competitions for his club is the most he has achieved so far and has scored five goals; three goals in the English Premier League, one in the League Cup and one in the Europa League.

    On the international scene, the Gunners’ star has notched 27 caps for the national team and his most recent goal was scored on June 2, 2018, when England beat Nigeria 2-1 at the Wembley Stadium, in an international friendly.

    In the female category, 2014, 2016, 2017 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala is the clear favourite for the Nigeria Women’s Player of the Year Award after her stellar performance helped the Super Falcons to a third consecutive Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title with three goals in the 2018 edition and her influential role for Dalian Quanjian which won the 2018 Chinese Women’s Super League title.

    On January 31, 2019, Spanish Club, FC Barcelona Femení Women signed Oshoala on a Loan deal until the end of the season and she has already scored five goals in five matches since joining the side.

    Francisca Ordega, another player in contention for the award was arguably the best Super Falcons’ player in their AWCON 2018 triumph in Ghana, where she scored two goals and two assists and won the Woman of the Match Award at the final game against South Africa. She also helped Atlético Madrid to the Spanish Women’s league title in the year under review.

    On February 28, 2019, the delectable player joined Shanghai W.F.C.

    Ordega, who has represented Nigeria at all international levels, has 34 caps for the Super Falcons.

    Onome Ebi who is also in the race plays for Henan Huishang in the Chinese Women’s Super League. At the back, the experienced defender was solid for the Super Falcons which conceded just one goal on their way to the final of AWCON 2018.

    Meanwhile, Secretary-General of world football –ruling body, FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura arrived Nigeria on Saturday, ahead of more than 20 Presidents of FIFA-Member Associations across the African continent for Monday’s 2nd AITEO-NFF Football Awards taking place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    At lunch on Sunday with the bigwigs of the NFF and a number of stakeholders of the Nigeria game, the Senegal-born former UN top official, expressed delight at being invited to Nigeria for the Awards and also for being considered worthy of a special award on the night. She will receive the NFF Order of Merit award.

    At a press briefing on Friday, NFF 1st President and Chairman of the Awards Organizing Committee, Seyi Akinwunmi praised sponsors AITEO for continued support for the annual event and assured that both organisations will put on a great show tonight.

    AITEO’s General Manager, Finance, Taiye Eyewuoma stated that the sponsor, Nigeria’s leading energy solution company and NFF’s Official Optimum Partner, is committed to sponsoring the awards ceremony as the partnership “is yielding good dividends for AITEO”. AITEO is also the sponsor of the Federation Cup competition and the annual African Football Awards.

    Monday’s event will be broadcast live by leading television houses SuperSport and Africa Independent Television (AIT).

    Among the highlights of the night would be the special honour to the 1994 set of Super Eagles – the squad forever referred to as the ‘Golden Generation’ for being the first to qualify Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup finals, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and reaching the Round of 16 at the World Cup finals in the U.S. A good number of the squad members teamed up with the Dream Team of 1996 that became Africa’s first winners of the men’s football gold at the quadrennial Olympic Games.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while business mogul, politician and avid football financier and supporter, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, who died in 1998, will be honoured posthumously with the NFF Presidential Award.

    A welcome remark by NFF 1st VP/Chairman, Organizing Committee, Barrister Akinwunmi will be preceded by a performance by internationally –respected dancer Kaffy, before brief remarks by President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NFF and AITEO’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Francis Peters. Superstar musicians D’ Banj, Ricardo Banks and Timi Dakolo are among those to entertain on the night.

    Former Nigerian captain, Olusegun Odegbami, Super Falcons’ legend Maureen Madu, former Super Falcons’ coach Edwin Okon, former FIFA referee Faith Irabor and Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode would be among the presenters at the event.

  • Iwobi continues to fly high

    Arsenal bounced back from their horror show against Liverpool with a 4-1 victory over Fulham in a London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, January 1 2019

    Nigeria national-teamer Alex Iwobi was one of the few shining lights in the Gunners’ loss to The Reds and retained his place in the starting line-up, while England U19 star Bukayo Saka made the matchday squad for a Premier League game for the third time this season.

    Iwobi looked lively in the early stages of the game and tried to feed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the blind side of the Fulham defence in the 14th minute.

    Cottagers wonder kid Ryan Sessegnon had two big chances to open the scoring in the opening 24 minutes but completely missed the target.

    And were punished in the 25th minute as the unmarked Granit Xhaka struck the ball into the back of the net after a decent pass from Iwobi, his second assist in as many games.

    Fulham had their own moments after the goal but didn’t take advantage; Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header on 33 minutes did not generate the power needed to beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

    On 40 minutes, Iwobi showed good feet but his delightful cross to Aubameyang was headed wide by the Gabonese striker.

    Nine minutes into the second half, Alexandre Lacazette made it 2-0, the Frenchman picked his place before thumping home following a slick move involving Iwobi and Aubameyang.

    Aboubakar Kamara pulled one back in the 69th minute. He arrived and tapped in at the back post after Ryan Sessegnon put the ball across the six-yard box.

    Substitute Aaron Ramsey settled the nerves as he restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead in the 79th minute.

    Exciting youngster Saka came on for his Premier League debut in the 83rd minute as a replacement for fellow Hale End Academy graduate Iwobi, and shortly after Aubameyang added further gloss to the scoreline.

  • Arsenal’ll recover quickly after Southampton loss – Iwobi

    Arsenal attacker, Alex Iwobi has declared that the Gunners will work hard to recover fast from their 2-3 loss to Southampton, as he believes they can go on another unbeaten run.

    Footballlive.ng reports that Iwobi admitted it was disappointing seeing the Gunners’ long run in all competitions ended by The Saints, with a 3-2 scoreline on Sunday, but the Super Eagles’ star insists his team will dust themselves up very quickly and try to go on another run, as they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup tomorrow

    Charlie Austin’s late goal ensured Ralph Hasenhuttl picked up a crucial first win as Saints’ boss.

    Iwobi admitted Arsenal lacked concentration against Southampton and lamented his side’s lacklustre performance.

    Iwobi: “Southampton deserves credit. They had a game plan and they stuck to it, but it’s disappointing by us. We weren’t focused through the 90 minutes. There were spells where we didn’t defend well as a team.

    “We’re frustrated the unbeaten run is over. We had chances to win the game. But we should give ourselves some credit for going on the run. Now we have to keep going and try to go on another run.”

  • CAF AWARDS: Iwobi, Oshoala, Ndidi lead Nigeria’s charge

    Super Eagles’ forward, Alex Iwobi is Nigeria’s only hope of winning the 2018 African Footballer of the Year Award as he made it to the final 10 nominees for the award after the duo of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa were dropped from the initial 34 earlier released by CAF.

    Iwobi will have to contend with reigning champion Mohammed Salah, Gunners teammate Aubemeyang and of course, Senegal’s Saido Mane who are all favourites for the award.

    In the young player category, Super Eagles’ and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi remains on course to claim his first CAF award after the Nigerian made the final three nominations alongside Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Franck Kessie of Ivory Coast.

    It was, however, all good for Nigeria in the women’s category with three-time African Footballer of the Year, Asisiat Oshoala making the cut with Francisca Ordega and defender Onome Ebi. Desire Oparanozie was dropped from the initial list.

    2018 AWCON MVP and highest goal score Christina Thembi Kgatlana will definitely be the favourite to dislodge Oshoala after the South African forward impressed at the recently concluded championship in Ghana.

    Similarly, Nigeria female national team, the Super Falcons have also been shortlisted for the team of the year, while head coach Thomas Dennerby also makes the cut for the coach of the year award.

    The shortlisted nominees were decided by votes from the members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee.

    The final phase will involve votes from CAF media experts, legends, coaches of the quarter-finalists of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and coaches and captains of the 54 member associations.

    The Awards Gala will be held on January 8, 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.

  • Iwobi Plays Guitar in New DStv Compact Bouquet Campaign

    Super Eagles and Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi has featured in a brand new campaign rolled out by video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria.

    The latest campaign featured the ace player exploring intrigue, passion, discovery & suspense that is available on the new DStv Compact bouquet. 

    Iwobi’s remarkable energy, passion on the pitch and versatility, embody what the Compact bouquet offers. The campaign uses Nigeria’s most loved sport and the talented wonder boy to tell a story about the importance of choices.

    According to the General Manager Sales and Marketing, MultiChoice, Martin Mabutho “It’s always about choices. As people, we make choices every single day, and the choices we make play a huge role in shaping who we become in future. Alex Iwobi is who he is today because of some of the brilliant choices he made in the past; taking up his uncle’s mantle by juggling a football, to signing with top football club, Arsenal FC. ‘’The power of fun & affordability defines Compact and with over 120 channels, our customers are spoilt for choice with front row live football action from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and perfectly picked local drama series, action movies and other lifestyle channels’’, he added.

     “Viewers will experience intrigue, passion, discovery & suspense #INPADISU by watching all the Premier League matches on the Compact package for N6,800 monthly”, said Mabutho. New subscribers are not left out in the football extravaganza as they can get our limited offer of HD Decoder, dish kit + one month DStv Compact subscription for only N11,900.’’

    What’s more, Explora ambassador, Somkele swings into a journey of unlocking her passion.

    Speaking further, Mabutho said “we remain committed to offering our customers more value.  We recently wrapped up the DStv Open Window where subscribers were treated to extra Sports channels at NO EXTRA cost as well as the addition and broadcast of Italian competition, Serie A. We have no doubt that Iwobi’s story will resonate with our passion for the game and our customers’’, he said.

    The full-fledged campaign that includes TV, Out-of-home, digital, radio and press adverts has officially been launched to coincide with the 2018/19 Premier League season. With such amazing features such as DStv’s video on demand service, Catch Up, Compact subscribers with an active Explora and PVR subscription can key into the experience. DStv Now is also available to Compact customers with an active subscription.

     

  • Arsenal’s Iwobi makes Nollywood debut

    Nigeria international and Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi has made a debut in his first film role in the soon to be released ‘Inpadisu.’

    The movie, now trending on social media, features Iwobi being pursued all over the place, apparently because of choices he made in the movie.

    Iwobi also took to his Instagram page @Alexanderiwobi to confirm his role in the film alongside award-winning actress, Somkele Iyamah.

    He shared the thriller and wrote: “Shot my Nollywood debut last month. A movie about choices coming soon.”

    Following his confirmation, fans took to Instagram to laud the football star’s versatility and expressed their optimism on the quality production of the film.

    @Zedoninho wrote, “Always going hard for Naija. Love it.”

    Read Also: Iwobi on target as Arsenal lose 3-2 to Chelsea

    @King_Chynee said, “I am anticipating. UNILAG will definitely rush this one.”

    @Temilade said, “Let’s go big Alex, let it out!!! We can’t wait.”

    @Riyanoray wrote, “So gassed, still my favourite footballer, even if you are acting.”

    Iwobi, who was part of the 23-man team for the 2018 World Cup, started as a youth international for England, with whom he won the Victory Shield in 2011.

    He went on to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut for the Super Eagles on Oct. 8, 2015.

  • At last, Iwobi signs new “long-term” deal

    Alex Iwobi has signed a new deal at Arsenal as he continues his association with the Premier League club.

    The 22-year-old Nigeria international came through the ranks with the Gunners and yesterday agreed a fresh, “long-term” contract at the Emirates Stadium.

    Now the deal has been announced, Iwobi wants to build on what he has already achieved at Arsenal, having made his debut in 2015.

    “It’s always been my childhood dream to represent Arsenal,” he told Arsenal Player.

    “To get an extended contract is an amazing feeling and I hope I’m doing the Arsenal family proud, as well as my family. I always realise that I have to be representing the team and giving 100 per cent at all times. It’s not just myself or my family I’m representing, I also represent the people and the younger generation as well. There’s always going to be pressure in football and it’s always amazing for young kids, especially at Hale End (where his shirt adorns the wall), to look up to me. So I’ll try and continue making them proud.”

    Iwobi scored three goals in 26 league games under Arsene Wenger last season, although there was speculation he could be sold this summer following Wenger’s departure. But, new head coach Unai Emery confirmed on the recent pre-season tour of Singapore that the forward was close to agreeing fresh terms.

  • Iwobi arrives on Monday for DR Congo tie

    Super Eagles’ attacker, Alex Iwobi is expected to be among the early birds to the Eagles’ camp in Uyo as he is set to arrive on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against DR Congo in Port Harcourt on May 28, AOIFootball.com can authoritatively confirm.

    The Gunners star, who was named in the 30-man provisional World Cup list, has been holidaying a bit with family ahead of a very busy summer that will see him appear at his very first World Cup.

    “Alex will be in Uyo on Monday,” a very close source to the player confirmed to AOIFootball.com.

    The 22-year-old attacker scored the lone goal that ensured Nigeria sealed a World Cup ticket with a game to spare against Zambia last year.

    He had a very mixed season with the Gunners as they failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second season, featuring in 39 games, scoring three times and providing seven assists.

  • How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    Back in July 1993, a young Nigerian midfielder grabbed a game by the scruff of the neck and set his side on the way to their first ever FIFA World Cup™. Almost a quarter of a century later, his nephew scored the goal that took Nigeria to their sixth global finals.

    Jay Jay Okocha’s second cap for his country saw the then 19-year-old score a superb free-kick equaliser in a World Cup qualifier against Algeria, a game his side would go on to win. Some say Okocha’s performance that day was a pivotal moment in his country’s campaign on the road to USA 1994.

    Alex Iwobi may be a couple of years older than his uncle was when he scored that crucial qualifying goal, but his youthful exuberance played its part in the strike that sent the Super Eagles soaring back to the world stage.

    On as a substitute in the tense Group B tie against Zambia, the Arsenal man had been on the pitch less than ten minutes before he arrived at just the right time to stroke home Abdullahi Shehu’s cutback from the right wing.
    The Uyo crowd were sent into delirium, much like the Lagos faithful were in July 1993 – three years before Iwobi was even born – when his uncle sent them into raptures with his superb set-piece.

    Unsurprisingly, comparisons have been made throughout Iwobi’s career. Uncle Jay Jay was once asked who Iwobi admired as a child. “It should be me, I’d be disappointed if it wasn’t!” Okocha told Joe.co.uk.

    And he would be right.

    “I was always looking up to my uncle,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website. “Everyone knew that he was a very big figure in Africa.”

    —
    Jay Jay Okocha
    In WCQ
    20 games: 12W/3D/5L
    4 goals

    At the World Cup
    9 games: 3W/1D/5L

    Alex Iwobi
    In WCQ
    3 games: 3W
    2 goals
    —

    Iwobi’s observation is certainly accurate. Okocha went on to play at the 1994 World Cup that he helped his country qualify for, followed by France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002.

    Russia 2018 now awaits Iwobi, and one presumes uncle Jay Jay will be watching on with beaming pride.

    “A dream come true. We’re heading to the World Cup. Nice to get the winning goal, massive thanks to our fans. The atmosphere was crazy,” Alex Iwobi.

     

     

    Source: FIFA.COM