Alex Iwobi’s 7 strengths and 2 weaknesses ahead of Super Eagles vs Tanzania

Alex Iwobi heads into Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania as one of Éric Chelle’s key players.

The Fulham midfielder’s creativity and experience will be important as the Super Eagles look to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

Iwobi has scored one goal and provided one assist in 13 appearances for club and country during the 2026/27 season.

He has featured in all 10 of Fulham’s Premier League matches, playing 827 minutes. He scored the winning goal against Hull City, completed 471 passes and created 17 chances, with a passing accuracy of 91%.

He also started both of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying matches in September, playing 180 minutes and providing an assist. His other appearance for Fulham came in the EFL Cup, where he played 72 minutes.

His performances have shown his value to Chelle, although the Nigeria international’s statistics also point to two areas where he could improve.

Alex Iwobi’s seven strengths and two weaknesses

What Alex Iwobi does well

Passing is one of Alex Iwobi’s strongest qualities. His 90.4% accuracy in the Premier League, completing 471 of 514 attempts, shows how well he keeps the ball moving and helps his team control possession.

His crossing is another strength. The 29-year-old has attempted 56 crosses this season, with 19 finding a teammate. His deliveries from wide areas and set-pieces could give Nigeria another way to trouble Tanzania.

One of Fulham’s most valuable players, Iwobi is also good at keeping possession under pressure. He has lost the ball just 24 times in 827 minutes, a respectable return for a midfielder who regularly tries to play forward.

His through balls are another important part of his game. With 17 chances created, he has shown he can pick out teammates running behind defenders and find openings against teams sitting deep.

He also carries a threat from distance. Four of his nine Premier League shots have hit the target, while his forward runs give Fulham another attacking option.

The former Arsenal midfielder has also taken 19 corners for Fulham this season. His discipline is another positive, with just two fouls and one offside call in 10 league appearances.

What Alex Iwobi needs to improve

Iwobi’s defensive contribution is an area of concern for Chelle. He has made only five tackles in the Premier League this season, alongside no interceptions or blocks and just six clearances.

His numbers suggest that he is more comfortable creating chances and moving the ball forward than winning it back. Nigeria will need other midfielders to shoulder much of the defensive work when he plays in an advanced role.

Why Chelle needs Iwobi against Tanzania

Nigeria will need Iwobi’s creativity against Tanzania, particularly after their damaging 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau left their AFCON qualifying campaign in trouble.

The three-time African champions host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return match on November 17.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable, Iwobi’s role in creating goalscoring opportunities – which sees him rated above Arsenal’s Declan Rice – becomes even more important. Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare are among the forwards Chelle can call upon, and the Fulham midfielder could be central to supplying them.

He also has good memories of facing Tanzania. Iwobi provided two assists in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars at AFCON 2025 in December.

Chelle could use him in an advanced midfield position, where he can operate behind the strikers and look for passes to split Tanzania’s defence.

Wilfred Ndidi’s presence in a deeper midfield role would be equally important. His defensive work could allow Iwobi to focus on creating chances while helping to protect Nigeria against counter-attacks.

The return leg in Dar es Salaam could bring another test. If the reported 2:00 pm kick-off goes ahead, Iwobi’s ability to keep possession and limit unnecessary turnovers could help Nigeria cope with the afternoon heat.

Chelle will need to make the most of Iwobi’s attacking qualities while ensuring that his limited defensive contribution does not leave the Super Eagles exposed.