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The quality of pitches at the AFCON has been a topic of concern among stakeholders and fans. Alex Iwobi also weighed on this topic as the Super Eagles prepare for their round of 16 clash against arch-rivals Cameroon.
Alex Iwobi, a key player for the Nigerian national team, has expressed his views on the varying conditions of pitches at the AFCON. In his observation, maintaining a high-quality pitch is a significant challenge.
‘We cannot play pretty football due to the pitch’
Iwobi noted that while the pitch for their first game against Equatorial Guinea was in good condition, it deteriorated over time due to extensive use.
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Speaking in a chat with sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo on X, formerly Twitter), he said, “It’s not easy to maintain a good pitch.
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"For the first game (against Equatorial Guinea) we had a good pitch. But the stadium has been used, the grass has been used and it’s not going to stay the same.
"Sometimes, we have to change our tactics, because we can’t play the pretty football we want to play. If it’s a problem for us, it’s a problem for the other team. It’s different from the Premier League, where 90% of the pitches are well looked after.”
This deterioration has a direct impact on the style of play teams can adopt. As a result, teams, including the Nigerian squad, often find themselves adjusting their tactics. Iwobi pointed out that in some instances, they have to forgo their preferred style of "pretty football" due to the pitch conditions.
He contrasts this with the pitches in the Premier League, where about 90% are well-maintained, allowing for a consistent style of play.
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Adapting to challenges
Despite the challenges posed by the pitch conditions, Iwobi remains resilient and adaptable. He refuses to use these issues as an excuse for the team's performance. Instead, he emphasizes the depth and talent within the Nigerian squad, indicating that they are prepared to face these challenges head-on.
Nigeria and Cameroon will go head to head on Saturday by 9PM Nigerian time, with both teams battling for a place in the quarter finals.
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