"I always say to the mandem, I’m human first."
When Alex Iwobi came off social media in the aftermath of Nigeria’s AFCON Final defeat, there was an outpouring of love and support.
The decision to take a step back was seen as a response to criticism over his performances during the tournament, and the midfielder has now opened up to reveal all.
Speaking to Project 17, a media initiative launched by Alex, he said: “I thought we just had to go there with no fear and say whatever happens, happens.”
The Super Eagles stuttered in their opening game, falling behind against Equatorial Guinea before rescuing a draw.
“We thought it was a lucky escape. [After that] the manager’s gone a bit defensive, put five at the back, and the next game’s against the host nation who just won.”
The change worked. An impressive 1-0 victory over the hosts Ivory Coast followed.
“Confidence is high thinking ‘yeah this formation sticks, it’ll work.’ Then we win our next game, go through to the next round and everyone’s on a high thinking ‘ok there’s a chance we can do something here.’
“We got to the Final and though we could beat the host nation again, but it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Nigeria had opened the scoring against the Elephants, but they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat.
“It does help when you’re the host. The fans, you’re just seeing orange. So it does play a big part, although we don’t think it fazed us. We just couldn’t get out of our half with the ball.”
Unbeknownst to Alex, the switch to a more defensive role – as well as the unforgiving West African climate – had raised questions from a fanbase accustomed to a more attack-minded player.
“Bro, it’s hot out there! Minimal air, bro! It’s not an excuse, but playing a game every four days in those conditions was tough.
“Everyone said ‘why is Alex not being creative?’ but I’ve been told to keep the ball, manage the ball. That’s the role I was told to do.
“I didn’t see it but when we had to get interviewed, I got asked where the creativeness that I had at Fulham was. I was thinking ‘is there like a speculation or something?’ Then I found out later what was going on.”
But supporters who assumed the temporary social switch-off was as a result of that criticism were mistaken.
“I’m really tired of socials, really and truly. I’d rather just be real. I’ve seen people come off social like Stormzy and Jay Z. I feel like them man live life peacefully.
“I don’t want people to think I’m affected because I’m not, so we came to the conclusion that I needed to jump back on socials.”
Since his return to Fulham - and his usual attacking role - Alex has found the net twice, including a last-gasp winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Does he ever think about proving the doubters wrong?
“It’s not about having a point to prove. I’m literally just giving my best every time I touch the pitch.”
