Iwobi applauds Super Eagles debutants, issues apology for red card

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised the impact of debutants Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu after Nigeria secured a 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in Antalya, Turkey, on March 27.

Moses Simon and Akor Adams scored in the first half to give Nigeria an early lead, before Mehdi Taremi reduced the deficit midway through the second half.

Fernandez replaced Semi Ajayi at halftime, while Nwaiwu, a late call-up following Calvin Bassey’s withdrawal, entered the match in the 57th minute.

Iwobi singled out the two defenders for their composure and contribution. “Shout out to the two centre-backs (Fernandez and Nwaiwu) that played the second half, making their debuts, they did well, they did solid. It was a good performance. The main thing is that we won, that gives us a confidence boost,” he said on the Alexander Yaa Digg podcast.

Red card reflection

The Fulham midfielder also addressed his dismissal in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Jordan on March 31.

Iwobi was shown a red card after reacting to a challenge by Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous in the closing stages.

“Obviously, I need to address what I did and apologise to all my Nigeria teammates, staff, and everyone who cares about Nigeria. My actions were not good enough, and I got sent off. But I have to learn and move on. We got a draw, we didn’t lose the game, so we have to take the positives,” he said.

Building team confidence ahead of key fixtures

Iwobi’s comments underline the importance of integrating new players while maintaining leadership on the pitch.

The midfielder, who played the full game against Iran and 31 minutes against Jordan, is now one cap away from reaching 100 appearances for Nigeria.