We Are Happy With What We Did – Iwobi Reflects On World Cup Performance

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has disclosed that the players are happy with their output at the just concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia despite suffering an early exit in the group.

The Arsenal star also revealed that the lessons learnt would be useful in the future engagements starting from the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He was reflecting on Super Eagles’ performance at Russia 2018 World Cup in a chat with BBC Sport.

In his words, the Arsenal Academy graduate said: “The squad is young and we picked important lessons that will hopefully help us going forward.”

“Attention will soon shift to the Nations Cup and we must make our World Cup lessons count.”

Speaking further, the 22-year-old said: “We had a lot of hopes and believe that we could do well. We are very proud of ourselves and are going to take the positives of course.”

“We are just unfortunate about the last minute goal that came against Argentina led to a defeat that knocked us out of the group. We are taking positives but we are very happy with what we did.” He concluded.

On not living up to pre-tournament expectations, Alex Iwobi said: “It’s not just me or my tournament, it’s Nigeria’s tournament.”

“The coach didn’t put me in that position because he wanted to try something new, try something else, so I had no problems because at the end of the day it is what the manager decides is what goes.” He added.

Since making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 against DR Congo, Alex Iwobi has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the three-time African champions.