Super Eagles: How Wenger’s advice could change Iwobi’s role under Chelle

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unlock a new dimension of Alex Iwobi’s game by taking inspiration from an advice from former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Iwobi has enjoyed a remarkable rise in his career, starting at Arsenal before moving to Everton and eventually joining Fulham in 2023, where he has continued to establish himself as an important player.

Wenger handed Iwobi his Arsenal debut and often deployed him on the flanks, allowing him to drift into central areas and influence the game. 

Against Hull City on Saturday, Iwobi was the standout performer as he scored the only goal of the game to help Fulham secure a 1-0 victory and claim their first Premier League win of the season.

The Super Eagles star was deployed further forward in the encounter, giving him more opportunities to get into dangerous positions and exploit spaces between the opposition’s defence.

He had five shots, with two on target, and could have scored more. His movement and combination play with Josh King also caused problems for Hull’s defence, showing the benefits of allowing him to operate closer to the opposition’s goal.

Iwobi reveals Wenger’s advice in post-match comments

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after scoring against Hull, Iwobi reflected on the advice he received from Wenger during their time together at Arsenal.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, who was part of the interview, recalled Wenger’s prediction about the Super Eagles star’s potential in an attacking midfield role.

“Years ago, when you were at Arsenal, Arsène Wenger said to me, ‘This player is going to be a top player in the No. 10 role’, and I noticed today that you started out wide”, Keown said.

“But when you come centrally, you come alive.”

In response, Iwobi explained how Wenger encouraged him to move inside and become more involved in the game.

“Working with the legend Arsène Wenger, he always told me to drift inside and to get involved in play”, the Super Eagles star revealed.

“I feel more comfortable and natural when I’m receiving the ball on the half-turn. The manager knows that, but I don’t want to give it away as teams are analysing our style, but it’s something that me and Josh King do.

“We love to get in the pockets and get in the half-turn. It’s something I love doing, and I’ll say it’s a strong point in my game”, Iwobi concluded.

How Chelle could hand Iwobi a new role with the Super Eagles

Chelle became Super Eagles head coach in 2025, and Alex Iwobi has remained a regular member of his team. However, the Fulham midfielder has majorly operated in a deeper midfield role, either alongside a holding midfielder or further forward in a midfield setup featuring two deeper players.

While Iwobi has shown that he can contribute from these positions, his latest comments could give Chelle another option to consider ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

The Super Eagles coach could make better use of Iwobi’s attacking qualities by deploying him as a No. 10, allowing him to operate behind the main striker.

This change could require Chelle move away from his preferred 4-4-2 formation. However, it could give Iwobi more opportunities to receive the ball between the lines and cause havoc in the attacking part of the pitch.

Another option would be for Chelle to use Iwobi on the flanks, while giving him the freedom to move into central areas when Nigeria have possession.

When Iwobi moves inside, the full-back would then advance into the space he leaves behind and provide an additional attacking option on the flank. 

With the right balance, this approach could allow Chelle manage Iwobi’s versatility without necessarily changing the team’s entire formation.

If the Franco-Malian can build a system that gives Iwobi the freedom he needs to perform, then the Super Eagles could benefit more and get better results.

Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their last Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match and will be keen to respond when they face Tanzania in a doubleheader next month.