Two Super Eagles players, Alex Iwobi and Stanley Nwabali, have been on the receiving end of ironic comments ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Tunisia tonight, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ex-Besiktas goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, was full of praise for Iwobi after he provided two assists in Nigeria’s 2-1 win against Tanzania.
In the same vein, the 49-year-old faulted Stanley Nwabali’s composure in the Super Eagles’ last game, claiming the Chippa United goalkeeper is overweight.
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Babayaro lauds Alex Iwobi, faults Stanley Nwabali
The Atlanta ’96 Olympics gold medallist urged the Super Eagles staff to look into Nwabali’s weight as he looked heavy on the pitch.
“I think they really need to look into our goalkeeper. I’m sorry to say, he’s fantastic, he’s saved us a lot of times, he’s amazing, but he is overweight,” Emmanuel Babayaro said on the ATHLST podcast.
“He was very suspect against Tanzania, we were lucky that two of their shots weren’t on target, else they would’ve been in our net.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with his feet, but his passes were not in sync. I think he’s a bit distorted, probably due to the injury he had before the AFCON, but the organisation of our defence was very poor.
“I think we were lucky because Tanzania gave us too much respect, and we had the physical advantage over them.
Unto Alex Iwobi, the former Plateau United goalie was pleased that the Fulham midfielder has turned his fortunes in the Nigerian jersey around for the better.
“I have heard so many nasty things about this particular young man, talking about Iwobi. Against Tanzania, I was fascinated.
“In my book, in my opinion, he was my Man of the Match. I think Semi Ajayi was also worth it, but it was just that goal that gave it to him.
“Iwobi was the engine in that particular team, so I think that man has not been dealt with fairly, in my opinion. Watching him against Tanzania, I saw something else,” Babayaro concluded.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to win their second AFCON Group C game against Tunisia at the Complexe Sportif de Fès later this evening.