Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has identified tactical discipline, rather than natural ability alone, as the quality that has made Alex Iwobi a favourite among the managers he has worked under throughout his career in England, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Sodje, speaking in an interview with Footy Africa, said Iwobi’s willingness to play within a system and follow instructions precisely was the defining characteristic that had elevated him beyond what his raw talent alone might have achieved.
“Iwobi has always been a player that plays to a structure, and I think that is why he has got so many managers that really like him,” Sodje said. “His ability alone is not what is getting him where he is. I think his discipline of how to play to a system has made him the player he has become.”
The former Brentford centre-back also reflected on Iwobi’s development into a senior Super Eagles figure, saying the midfielder’s longevity in English football had shaped him into one of Nigeria’s most reliable internationals.
“I think he has improved so much because of the career he has had in England. I know how tough it is — we have to give him a lot of respect. He grew up in our face, and it is scary to say he will be 30, but he has come to be a very experienced and important player for the national team,” the 46-year-old said.
Iwobi turned 30 on Sunday but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Fulham’s goalless draw against Brentford, having been forced off during the contest and replaced by Samuel Chukwueze.
Fulham manager Marco Silva said he remained hopeful the midfielder would return before the end of the season, though he ruled him out of the club’s fixture against Aston Villa.
“Really bad news to lose a player like Alex Iwobi. It is difficult to say a timescale, but back before the end of the season,” Silva said.
Iwobi has made 27 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists across 2,279 minutes of football.
His absence is also being monitored by Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, with the midfielder expected to feature in upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
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