Note to Eric Chelle: Iwobi outranks all Chelsea stars in key PL stat

Iwobi has been one of Fulham's more consistent players this season, playing in a variety of positions, and most recently as part of a midfield two, alongside Sander Berge.

The Nigerian has been effective in that role and has been statistically ranked as the fifth most creative player in the English Premier League this season.

Since his transfer from Everton to Fulham, Iwobi has become a pivotal figure for the London club. Last season marked a career-best for him in the league, as he tallied nine goals and six assists across 38 appearances, establishing himself as one of the division's top attacking midfielders.

Under the guidance of manager Marco Silva, the 29-year-old has continued to develop, emerging as a leader within the Fulham squad. While not known for his pace or dribbling, Iwobi's primary strength lies in his intelligent passing and vision, making him a crucial creative outlet for the team.

This season, he has contributed two goals and two assists in 15 games for the Cottagers.

However, a recent statistic from WhoScored highlights his broader impact, revealing that Iwobi has created 23 goal-scoring opportunities, placing him in an elite group of midfielders.

He is the only Fulham player to feature in the top five, a list that includes Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (40), Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai (28), Arsenal's Declan Rice (27), and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson (25).

As the Super Eagles head to AFCON, Iwobi's creative juices must be tapped into by Eric Chelle, who seems reluctant to use the midfielder in a creative role.

Playing in a deeper midfield role for Nigeria burdens him with greater defensive duties and the responsibility of controlling the game's tempo from deep, a role that does not play to his strengths.

The Super Eagles have been crying out for a creative force and Iwobi is showing, he is ready for the task.