Super Eagles: 2 things Alex Iwobi must do differently against Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was one of Nigeria’s more influential players against Madagascar, but he must improve in two key areas when the Green and Whites face Guinea-Bissau tomorrow, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 30-year-old played an important role in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory, providing the assist for George Ilenikhena’s equaliser with an excellent pass that cut through the Madagascar defence.

Iwobi also remained involved in Nigeria’s attacking play after the break, creating opportunities for Tolu Arokodare and Moses Simon as the Super Eagles searched for a second goal.

However, despite Iwobi’s individual contribution, Nigeria struggled to maintain control for long periods, particularly with only two central midfielders operating behind the attack.

That problem could become significant against Guinea-Bissau, who opened their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 away victory over Tanzania and will now have home advantage in Bissau.

2 things Alex Iwobi must do differently

1. Iwobi must play between the lines more consistently

Iwobi’s biggest strength against Madagascar was his ability to connect midfield with Nigeria’s forwards, but he can take that responsibility even further against Guinea-Bissau.

The Fulham midfielder spent significant periods dropping deeper to help Nigeria progress the ball, particularly when Madagascar defended in a compact shape.

That allowed him to influence the game from deeper positions, but it also meant there were occasions when Nigeria lacked a player between the opposition midfield and defence.

The Super Eagles initially struggled to penetrate through the middle, prompting the coach to alter his shape in the second half. The introduction of Moses Simon and Moses Usor also gave Nigeria width on the flank and movement, eventually helping them find the winner.

Against Guinea-Bissau, Iwobi should look to receive the ball higher up the pitch whenever Wilfred Ndidi or another midfielder can provide the deeper cover.

The former Arsenal man has the technical quality to operate between the lines, and his assist for Ilenikhena showed how dangerous he can be when he finds space close enough to the forwards.

Iwobi’s current club form also suggests he is capable of taking on that creative responsibility. He has started all five of Fulham’s Premier League matches this season, playing 411 minutes, while recording eight key passes in September alone.

He created 46 line-breaking passes, the most at AFCON 2025. Nigeria need that version of Iwobi in Bissau.

2. Iwobi must improve Nigeria’s control after losing possession

The second area concerns what happens immediately after Nigeria loses the ball.

Against Madagascar, the Super Eagles were sometimes exposed because their midfield structure left too much space between the central players and the defence.

That contributed to a difficult opening period and allowed Madagascar to threaten Nigeria in transition before eventually taking the lead.

Iwobi cannot solve the entire structural problem on his own, but his positioning and reaction after losing possession will be important.

Rather than immediately pushing forward after every Nigerian attack breaks down, he must recognise when the team needs to slow the game and maintain its shape. He’s not the most physical, nor the best when it comes to tackling, but what he knows how to do is to dictate how Nigeria play.

This becomes even more important against Guinea-Bissau. The Djurtus have already demonstrated their ability to punish opponents from decisive moments, scoring twice against Tanzania through Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé.

Nigeria cannot afford to give their attackers large spaces to run into, particularly if Iwobi and the other midfielders are too high when possession changes hands.

With Ndidi providing defensive protection behind him, Iwobi can take more responsibility for progressing the ball and creating chances, but he must also know when to remain connected to the midfield.

Iwobi can be Nigeria’s attacking link

Iwobi does not need to completely reinvent his game against Guinea-Bissau.

His performance against Madagascar already showed why Chelle continues to trust him.

The key is finding the right balance. Nigeria need Iwobi higher up the pitch often enough to connect the midfield with their forwards, while also ensuring his positioning does not leave Ndidi isolated when possession is lost.

His pass for Ilenikhena’s equaliser was a reminder of what Nigeria can get from their most creative midfielder.

If Iwobi can reproduce that creativity while offering greater control and discipline in midfield, he could become an even more important player for Chelle in Bissau.