Iwobi at 30: Sodje Demands More Respect for Super Eagles Star

Former Brentford and Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has called for greater recognition of Alex Iwobi’s achievements, insisting the Fulham midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the past decade.

Iwobi, who turned 30 on Sunday, has earned 99 caps for Nigeria since his debut in 2015, placing him third on the country’s all-time appearance list.

He is now closing in on Ahmed Musa’s record of 111 caps. At club level, he has made 318 Premier League appearances, the most by any Nigerian and the third-highest by an African player in the competition’s history.

Sodje believes Iwobi’s discipline and ability to play to a system have made him invaluable.

‘When he first came to the national team, his ability was questioned because of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha. But he has improved so much because of the career he has had in England. We have to give him a lot of respect. From an ex-player’s point of view, I would rate him up there with the best,’ Sodje said in an interview with Afrik-Foot.

Iwobi has also become the first Nigerian to register 35 goals and 38 assists in the Premier League, crossing the 300-appearance mark earlier this season. Despite featuring at the 2018 World Cup and winning three AFCON medals, he is still chasing a major international trophy with the Super Eagles.

Sodje summed up his admiration: ‘That league is tough, but he has always been a player that plays to a structure. His discipline has made him the player he has become.’