Alex Iwobi has opened up on life at Fulham under Álvaro Arbeloa and Calvin Bassey’s emergence as club captain, Bold Sports reports.
The Fulham midfielder spoke to Kosisochukwu on The 360 Experience with Onah Kosi after his performance in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, with Nigeria preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25. They will then travel to Bissau to meet Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Iwobi remains part of Chelle’s plans
Iwobi is among the established players in Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers.
He has joined the national team alongside several familiar names. Bassey is also part of the squad for the two matches.
The international assignment gives Iwobi another opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s midfield. The Super Eagles are beginning their campaign in Group L as they target qualification for the 2027 tournament.
Iwobi’s focus, however, was not limited to the national team.
During his conversation with Kosisochukwu on The 360 Experience with Onah Kosi, he discussed his club football and Fulham’s new era under Arbeloa.
Iwobi enjoys working with Arbeloa
Arbeloa took charge at Fulham with new tactical ideas. Iwobi says the players have responded positively to the Spanish coach.
“It’s been good. Everybody’s enjoying his tactics, his ideas. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the results to show, I’m enjoying my time with him. It’s a new challenge and he’s a good manager. He just takes time with the results, but I’m enjoying my time.”
Iwobi made the comments after receiving praise for his performance against Manchester United.
The results have not yet matched Fulham’s ambitions. However, Iwobi remains positive about the new manager and the tactical changes at the club.
Bassey’s captaincy surprised Iwobi
The conversation also turned to Bassey.
The Nigeria defender recently took on the captaincy at Fulham. Iwobi admitted that the appointment surprised the players.
“Nobody saw it coming, but we’re happy for him because he’s very vocal. He has a big personality. He’s obviously a good player, someone that always plays.”
Iwobi also pointed to Bassey’s leadership qualities.
He believes the defender leads through both his performances and communication.
“We’re happy for him and because he’s such a great player, a great leader, he leads by example and he also talks.”
For Iwobi, Bassey’s personality makes him suited to the responsibility.
The two Nigerians also share a strong relationship at Fulham. That bond now extends into the national team setup.
Iwobi ready to support Bassey
Bassey’s leadership role has created another connection between the two Super Eagles players.
Iwobi explained that he is ready to support his teammate whenever necessary.
“Nobody has any issues and in any ways we can help him as a team-mate, as a brother, I’m willing to do so.”
That relationship could prove useful during Nigeria’s current international assignment.
Both players are part of Chelle’s squad for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers. The NFF confirmed their inclusion when it announced the 24-man squad.
Nigeria turn attention to Madagascar
Away from Fulham, Iwobi now has an immediate international task.
Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25.
Nigeria will enter the Madagascar match without Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker was ruled out of both September qualifiers because of a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
That leaves Chelle with other attacking options for the opening qualifier.
Iwobi and Bassey are among the experienced players expected to contribute as Nigeria begin their latest AFCON qualification campaign.
For Iwobi, the international break has also provided an opportunity to discuss his evolving role at Fulham.
His comments show a player adjusting to a new manager while supporting a close teammate who has taken on greater responsibility.
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