Emmanuel Babayaro Defends Iwobi After Tanzania Display, Blasts Critics

Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Babayaro has defended Alex Iwobi, criticising what he described as unfair treatment of the Fulham midfielder by fans and pundits.

Babayaro said the Super Eagles regular remains one of the most important players in Eric Chelle’s squad but is not given the respect his performances deserve.

He expressed concern over the volume of negative comments directed at Iwobi, insisting that the criticism does not reflect what the player brings to the national team.

The former shot stopper noted that the England-born midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal, stood out in Nigeria’s most recent match against Tanzania, where he felt Iwobi delivered a top-class display.

Iwobi’s commitment and influence in the Super Eagles have been questioned in recent months, with sections of the fanbase openly critical of his performances. However, Babayaro believes those views are misplaced.

Speaking on the ATHLST podcast, Babayaro said, “I have heard so many nasty things about this particular young man, talking about Iwobi. I was fascinated.

“In my book, in my opinion, he was my Man of the Match [against Tanzania]. I think Semi Ajayi was also worth it, but it was just that goal that gave him that.

“Iwobi was the engine in that particular team, so I think that man has not been dealt with fairly in my opinion.”

Iwobi, who currently plays his club football with Fulham in the Premier League, has been a regular figure in the Super Eagles set-up for several years and he is the only active player in the team with over 80 caps.

The midfielder is expected to be in action when the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Tunisia in their second group stage game at 9 p.m. tonight.