Super Eagles star reveals how Frank Lampard saved his career

Alex Iwobi has revealed how former Everton manager Frank Lampard played an important role in reviving his career during a turbulent period at Goodison Park.

The Super Eagles midfielder endured a challenging spell under former boss Rafael Benitez, a period that coincided with his red card at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

He said, “There was one of the AFCONs where I got sent off. I came back, and they said, ‘Alex, you're going to go on loan.’ This was under Rafa Benitez, and I wasn't playing much.”

Iwobi was dismissed during Nigeria’s round-of-16 clash against Tunisia at AFCON 2021, a moment he described as one of the lowest points of his career.

“I came back thinking, ‘Oh my God, I'm having a mare. I'm probably never going to play,’” he admitted.

However, the situation shifted dramatically when Benitez departed and Lampard took charge. Although the idea of a loan move was initially mentioned, Iwobi resisted.

“They were saying, ‘Oh, Alex, you're going to go on loan.’ I was like, ‘No, I'm not doing that.’ I'd rather just chill here and try to fight for my place.”

Lampard’s management style proved transformative. Unlike previous tactical restrictions, the former Chelsea boss encouraged Iwobi to express himself freely.

He said, “Lampard gives everyone a chance. He was like, ‘If you can do it in training, why can't you do it in matches?’ Previous managers had told me to stick to the tactics board. But they said, ‘No, do your thing.’”

“Then Lampard played me and put me in midfield where I actually like playing, getting on the ball,” Iwobi recalled.

He continued, “He said, ‘Express yourself, be you.’ That’s where I revitalised my career. So yeah, I’ll say Lampard was my best time.”