Alex Iwobi identifies 2 areas Super Eagles must improve

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has identified two areas the Super Eagles must improve if they are to become a more consistent team, especially when playing away from home.

The ex-Arsenal man made the observations after Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, insisting that the team must use criticism of their away performances as motivation to improve.

Now 30 and one of the most experienced players in the Nigerian National team, Iwobi also rejected suggestions that the Super Eagles depend too heavily on individual brilliance, arguing that their success comes from collective effort.

With Nigeria preparing for the return fixture against Tanzania in Zanzibar, the midfielder has highlighted two important areas for Eric Chelle’s team to address.

2 Areas Alex Iwobi wants the Super Eagles to improve

1. Improve consistency in away matches

Alex Iwobi believes the Super Eagles must start winning consistently, especially when playing outside Nigeria.

“The only way to be consistent is by winning games, and that’s what everyone really cares about,” the former Everton midfielder said in an interview with Pooja.

His comments come on the backdrop of Nigeria’s mixed away record in competitive football. Excluding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, the Super Eagles have won only two of their last eight competitive away fixtures since June 2024.

They have drawn four and lost twice, collecting 10 points from a possible 24. The defeats came against Benin, who beat Nigeria 2-1 in June 2024, and Guinea-Bissau, who inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Chelle’s side in September 2026.

Nigeria’s victories came against Rwanda, whom they defeated 2-0 in March 2025, and Lesotho, whom they beat 2-1 in October 2025.

The Super Eagles also drew against Rwanda, Benin and South Africa during that period.

Iwobi acknowledged the perception that Nigeria struggle away from home and believes the team must respond through better performances.

“The only way to change that opinion is to use this as fuel to become consistent,” the 103-cap Super Eagles star added.

2. Maintain concentration for 90 minutes

Another area Alex Iwobi wants Nigeria to address is their ability to remain focused throughout matches.

The midfielder believes the Super Eagles must avoid giving opponents opportunities to recover or believe they can secure a result, symptoms that plagued them against Tanzania and Madagascar.

“We have to remain focused for the full 90 minutes and not give them any hope that they can beat us,” he said.

This is relevant after Nigeria’s recent defensive lapses. Against Tanzania in Uyo, the Super Eagles conceded an equaliser after taking the lead before Tolu Arokodare’s second-half brace restored their advantage.

Chelle’s men will need more concentration in Zanzibar, where Tanzania will be looking to respond in front of their supporters.

Alex Iwobi also defended the team’s collective approach, rejecting the suggestions that Nigeria rely on individual brilliance to create opportunities.

“I disagree that the Super Eagles rely on individual brilliance. At the same time, you know Nigerians, everyone is entitled to their own opinions,” he explained.

“As a team, it’s a collective effort. You saw how we created chances when Tolu came on,” the one-time FA Cup winner concluded.

The Fulham midfielder believes the current squad has the quality to achieve significant things, but consistency and concentration will be essential if Nigeria are to fulfil their potential.