In a refreshingly honest admission, Nigerian international and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has revealed that the pressure from fans has influenced his approach to the game — particularly his drive to increase goal contributions.
Iwobi, who has steadily built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most technically gifted exports, spoke on how football fans have increasingly become obsessed with statistics, often judging a player’s performance solely on their goals and assists.
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“I’ve realized that fans often judge a player’s performance based on goals and assists,” Iwobi explained.
“Even if you’ve had a solid game overall, they believe once you’ve got a goal or assist, you must’ve played well. So now, I try to get my numbers up.”
The Super Eagles star, who became the first Nigerian to achieve over 30 goals and 30 assists in Premier League history, admitted that while he understands the deeper aspects of football performance, he can’t ignore the reality that numbers now shape public perception.
“Ultimately, goals win games,” he said. “So, if scoring or assisting helps the team and also earns respect from fans, I’m all for it.”
Iwobi’s statistical uptick was most recently evident in Fulham’s thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool, where he scored and registered an assist — a performance that drew praise from both fans and pundits.
His current Premier League tally stands at 34 goals and 30 assists, a milestone unmatched by any other Nigerian in the league’s history.
Reflecting on the criticism he’s faced in the past, particularly during his time at Everton following a big-money move from Arsenal, Iwobi shared: “When I moved to Everton, there was a high fee, and everyone said he costs so much and hasn’t done much. I’ve experienced both love and hate from fans. But now, I don’t focus on that pressure anymore. I just focus on delivering.”
As Fulham eyes a strong finish to the season, Iwobi’s evolution from a playmaker to a stats-conscious contributor may just be the edge the team needs — and a nod to the growing reality that in football, numbers often speak louder than nuance.
