Sports

Alex Iwobi: Everton can compete with the best

Published

4 years ago

August 28, 2022

Alex Iwobi

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi says positive talks with boss Frank Lampard and an enduring confidence paved the way for his accomplished turnaround for Everton.

The creative midfielder followed up his fine form at the end of last season into the new season to stand out in all games this season, especially in the league opener against Chelsea and last Tuesday’s victory in the Carabao Cup.

Though, Everton lost the PL opener to a late penalty at Goodison Park, Iwobi earned glowing praises from Frank Lampard for his performance alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton’s midfield engine room, with the Blues boss declaring the Nigerian “did superb in the game…and dealt with Chelsea’s threats brilliantly”.

The 26-year-old was one of Everton’s standout players in the 2021/22 season run-in and says he is determined to elevate his game further in this campaign.

Iwobi revealed how specific instructions from Lampard ahead of the Chelsea match helped him shine against high-quality opposition.

He told evertontv: “I had a meeting with the manager before the game who told me – especially when we are going on the attack – that I should look around and be aware of my surroundings.

“It helped me going into the game and I felt like I did okay.

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“I felt quite comfortable in midfield. The defence was always talking to me and helping me, so I was always in the right positions at the right times.

“The gaffer is always talking to me, motivating me and telling me to go out and express myself, kick on from last season, and I feel like I’ve done that so far. But it’s a long season, it’s a marathon, and there’s a long way to go.”

Iwobi’s influence on the game is highlighted by the fact he completed more passes than any other Everton player (38).

He was ambitious in possession, too, regularly feeding penetrative passes into the Toffees’ attackers.

Iwobi explained how the belief he feels from Evertonians is giving him the freedom to express himself.

“The fans are always giving me that confidence that even if a pass doesn’t come off, they’ll clap and applaud the effort,” he said.

“It’s something that’s helping me go into games that, even if I do miss, I’ll have the confidence to try something again.

“It worked out against Chelsea; I was able to make some forward passes and hopefully it leads to some assists in the next game.”

The Chelsea game was marred by an injury to Ben Godfrey after just 10 minutes, with Lampard confirming the defender sustained a suspected “small fracture” of his fibula.

Iwobi said: “The way Ben was suffering on the pitch; it didn’t look right.

“We’ll keep in touch with him, he’s a strong guy. As soon as I got in after the game, I messaged him straight away.

“We hope for the best for him because he’s one of the lads. He’s a big character. He’ll be back in no time. We trust him.”

Godfrey’s fellow centre-back James Tarkowski produced a towering performance against Chelsea, with his authority, composure and leadership all on show on his competitive Everton debut.

Iwobi revealed the sense of assurance the England international gives to the team.

Iwobi said: “He’s a giant at the back, he’s a monster.

“You feel very safe and secure with him, and nothing goes past him. For me playing in front of him, he’s always talking to me, always helping me to be in the right positions.

“He’s good for me, good for the team, has a lot of experience. It was a solid performance from him.”

Everton stood toe-to-toe with Chelsea throughout the game, with only Jorginho’s penalty in first-half stoppage time settling a closely-fought battle.

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Iwobi insists belief remains high in the camp and look forward to more favourable results in the PL.

“I don’t think like we deserved this result,” Iwobi said.

“We defended really well, we were unfortunate with the penalty but, other than that, we defended as a team and created a couple of chances. On another day, those chances go in.

“It shows we can compete with one of the best teams in the Premier League. If we can compete against them, we can compete against anyone.”

Iwobi says, though the team is yet to get it right in the PL, the win over Fleetwood is a booster for them.

Lampard says they passed a “test of character” in the 1-0 Carabao Cup victory at Fleetwood Town but believes the Blues can improve their quality in key areas.

Everton were made to work hard for their win against a dogged Fleetwood outfit but Demarai Gray’s 28th-minute strike ensured the Blues’ progress to the third round of the competition.

“There are parts of the performance I liked. Also, individuals got some important minutes – such as our captain [Seamus Coleman] who came in and had a great attitude – and some players grew into the game

“We can improve. I wanted a bit more intensity off the ball at times. And the quality of our play, moments when we can make a killer pass and take control of the game, I thought we were a little bit loose at times.

“It was a test of character and a test of quality.

“I think we succeeded on the test of character, for sure, but we could have been better at times on the test of quality.

“Fleetwood gave us a good match. They’re a physical team. In that sense it was a good challenge for us.

“In terms of our performance, it wasn’t amazing, but I’ve played in many nights like these – and been beaten on nights like this as well – so I understand they’re not easy.”

Summer signing Amadou Onana made his first Everton start in the game and completed the full 90 minutes. Lampard believes the experience will be an important step in the 21-year-old’s acclimatisation to English football.

“I thought Amadou grew into the game really well,” he said.

“He has not had a lot of days in training before coming here, and he’s moving to a new league, a new speed, new physicality… He found that out tonight. I thought he played well.

“Some of his passing across the pitch was really good – it was flat, he was getting the balls to our wing-backs and wingers quickly, he was playing through lines. There were lots of good things. His attitude was great, too. It was spot on.”

The Everton boss also had words of praise for Alex Iwobi, who delivered yet another high-calibre performance in central midfield.

Indeed, the Nigerian’s display saw him voted as man of the match by Evertonians.

Lampard added: “Alex is playing at a really high level where he plays – midfield, higher up the pitch – and he works off the ball and he’s huge player for this squad.

“We’re delighted with his performances and since I’ve been here, he’s been getting better and better. He’s started the season in great form.”

The Nation

Sports

CAF President Denies Corruption Claims Over AFCON Senegal–Morocco Controversy

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe

CAF President Denies Corruption Claims Over AFCON Senegal–Morocco Controversy

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has strongly rejected allegations of corruption following controversy surrounding a reported decision involving the Africa Cup of Nations title, which has sparked tension between Senegal and Morocco.

Speaking in Morocco, Motsepe insisted that CAF remains committed to transparency and accountability, stressing that the organisation is open to scrutiny from legal authorities and independent investigators across the continent.

He said any party that believes there is wrongdoing within CAF is free to pursue legal action, adding that the body would fully cooperate with judicial processes.

“If anybody wants to initiate legal action alleging that there is corruption in CAF, I don’t only welcome that, I encourage them,” Motsepe stated.

“There’s nothing to hide. We respect enormously the judicial and legal sovereignty of every single one of our 54 nations on the African continent.”

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His remarks come amid reports and public debate triggered by claims from Senegalese stakeholders questioning decisions linked to the AFCON outcome and officiating processes that allegedly influenced the final standings involving the Senegal national football team and the Morocco national football team.

CAF has repeatedly maintained that its tournament operations are governed by strict regulations, including video assistant referee (VAR) systems, independent match officials, and oversight committees designed to ensure fairness.

Football analysts note that the controversy has intensified debate over transparency in African football governance, with some calling for broader institutional reforms within CAF, while others insist the competition remains one of the most professionally managed in its history.

Despite the backlash, CAF leadership continues to defend the integrity of the tournament, urging stakeholders to rely on official review mechanisms rather than public speculation.

Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to strengthening football development across Africa, improving officiating standards, and increasing investment in youth and women’s competitions.

The controversy has continued to dominate discussions across African football circles, particularly on social media, where fans remain divided over the outcome and officiating decisions.

CAF President Denies Corruption Claims Over AFCON Senegal–Morocco Controversy

Sports

Lookman Stars as Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Barcelona 2-0

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Imported Petrol 12% Cheaper Than Dangote Fuel – World Bank

Lookman Stars as Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Barcelona 2-0

Atlético Madrid took a commanding step toward the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a clinical 2-0 first-leg victory over FC Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Goals from Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth sealed the result, while Ademola Lookman delivered a standout performance in a well-executed display by Diego Simeone’s side.

The match turned decisively in the first half when Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off following a VAR review for a last-man challenge. Reduced to 10 men, Barcelona struggled to contain Atletico’s attacking threat. Álvarez capitalised moments later, curling a stunning free-kick into the top corner to hand the visitors the lead just before halftime.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona dominated possession for long spells and created several chances but were unable to find the breakthrough. Atletico remained compact defensively and lethal on the counter, eventually doubling their lead in the second half when Sørloth finished off a well-worked attacking move, putting the tie firmly in their control.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration after the match, insisting his side deserved more despite the defeat. He questioned the officiating, particularly the red card decision, saying he could not understand why VAR did not review an earlier incident he believed warranted a penalty for Barcelona.

“We were not lucky today. We played well even with one player less, but Atletico have quality in attack,” Flick said, maintaining that his team still has what it takes to turn the tie around in the second leg.

Lookman, who has been in fine form, praised his team’s discipline and efficiency. The Nigerian forward highlighted the importance of capitalising on key moments, noting that scoring immediately after the red card was crucial to Atletico’s success. He also emphasised the team’s defensive solidity, particularly keeping a clean sheet away from home.

“Barcelona are a top team, but when you get your chances, you have to take them, and we did that,” Lookman said, while acknowledging that the return leg in Madrid will be a massive challenge.

The victory also ended Atletico Madrid’s long wait for a win at Camp Nou, underlining their growing confidence and tactical discipline under Diego Simeone.

With a two-goal advantage, Atletico head into the second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium in a strong position, while Barcelona face an uphill battle to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Lookman Stars as Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Barcelona 2-0

Sports

Arsenal Edge Sporting in Lisbon with Last-Minute Havertz Strike

Published

2 days ago

April 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Arsenal Edge Sporting in Lisbon with Last-Minute Havertz Strike

Arsenal FC claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in Lisbon, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz. The late strike gives the Premier League leaders a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The game at Estádio José Alvalade was tense from the outset, with Sporting testing Arsenal early. Maxi Araújo nearly gave the hosts the lead with a shot that rattled the crossbar, following a brilliant through ball from Ousmane Diomande. Arsenal responded with possession dominance but struggled to create clear chances, with Noni Madueke hitting the crossbar from a corner.

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In the second half, Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi had a goal ruled out for offside in the build-up involving former Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres, adding to the mounting tension. Sporting continued to threaten on the counter, with Francisco Trincão and Geny Catamo forcing saves from David Raya, who was crucial in keeping the scores level.

The breakthrough came in stoppage time when substitute Kai Havertz calmly finished a decisive move, sliding the ball past Rui Silva after a perfectly timed pass from Gabriel Martinelli. The goal not only secured the win but also boosted Mikel Arteta’s squad confidence after back-to-back domestic defeats.

Arsenal’s victory ensures they head into the return leg with an advantage, while Sporting will need to overturn the deficit in London next week. The Gunners now turn their focus to the Premier League, where they will face Bournemouth in their next fixture.

The result highlights Arsenal’s resilience in Europe and emphasizes Havertz’s growing impact in crucial moments, reinforcing their ambition to reach the Champions League semifinals.