2018 FIFA World Cup: Aghahowa backs Iwobi for Eagles no.10 role

Former Nigerian international, Julius Aghahowa has backed Arsenal midfielder, Alex Iwobi to play the number 10 role for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The 22-year-old has been shifted to the wings for the three-time African champions to accommodate Captain Mikel Obi as the preferred choice for the creative midfield role in the team.

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However, Aghahowa who is famed for his special goal celebrations especially after scoring against Sweden at the 2002 Mundial co-hosted by South Korea and Japan opined that Iwobi deserves a more central role if the Eagles are to progress from their group.

“Personally, I prefer Mikel in front of the back two and Iwobi play as a playmaker behind the strikers,” Aghahowa told SportingLIfe in an exclusive chat.

“He has the qualities to play in that position because he is more mobile and can give those half goal passes and can score himself too.

“If that little change is made, am optimistic that they will have more chance of progressing to the next round.”

Iwobi made a bold claim for the number 10 role during the recent friendly match against England at the prestigious Wembley stadium when he created a chance for Odion Ighalo with a delightful over the top pass.

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The former Watford striker beat the three Lions goalkeeper with his right foot shot but the ball came of the post and Iwobi showed hunger to score the rebound in the midst of three defenders.

Nigeria will play their first game at the Mundial against Croatia on June 16 Kaliningrad Stadium, 8pm local time before facing debutants Iceland on June 21, 4pm local time at the Volgograd Arena and their final game against Argentina on June 26 at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg), 7pm local time.

The Super Eagles arrived Russia yesterday after their final camping exercise in Bad Tatzmanndsdorf, Austria.