Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr is counting on Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi to help his country defeat Zambia in the World Cup Qualifier.
Iwobi’s decent start to the season has made him a regular in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up drifting smoothly into a wide role previously occupied by Alexis Sanchez. In five Premier League appearances, the 20-year-old has created seven chances, three of which were converted.
The winger is now expected to play a similar role in helping his country qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup to be held in Russia.
“Of course, Iwobi was injured the last time and couldn’t play against Tanzania,” Rhor said during a press conference according to The National.
“So naturally he is here. Everybody knows that he is a good player. I hope his integration into the team will make our first team in Ndola.
“The training was good and we tried to help bring him into the team. We analysed our own game, so he knows how we played in Uyo and we cannot change so much tactically because the time is short.
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“To change we have other system of strategies because it will be the same style in Zambia. I count a lot on him that he can help us win the game.
“Because we must have a good striker and a good attack and we must have good quality players and have who can score.
“The problem in Uyo is that we could not score, we have 27 shots on goal but we could score only one.”
The youngster rose to the challenge after Wenger showed immense faith in such a young, unproven talent, it is hoped the Nigerian lives up to the expectations of his national team coach as he appears for his country against the Chipolopolo today.
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