Alex Iwobi Reflects on Tough Everton Spell Under Carlo Ancelotti

Alex Iwobi has opened up about a difficult period during his time at Everton FC under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, admitting that failing to fully follow tactical instructions contributed to him losing his place in the starting lineup.

The Nigeria national football team midfielder explained that Ancelotti deployed him in several roles, including right wing-back, right-back and right midfield, positions that required strict adherence to the manager’s tactical plan.

According to Iwobi, Ancelotti instructed him to quickly move the ball to key playmakers such as James Rodríguez and Allan Marques Loureiro whenever he gained possession. However, the Nigerian admitted that he sometimes attempted to do more on the ball rather than strictly following the plan.

“With Carlo Ancelotti, I learned the hard way,” Iwobi said. “He told me that when I got the ball, I should always give it to James Rodríguez, Allan and others, but I felt like I could do something myself as well.”

Iwobi also recalled how a social media post expressing his desire to play in his preferred position eventually reached Ancelotti during a press conference. The Italian manager then asked the Nigerian where he felt most comfortable on the pitch and gave him an opportunity in that role during Everton’s next match against Burnley FC.

However, the experiment did not go as planned. Everton trailed by two goals at halftime, and Iwobi was substituted ten minutes into the second half. The midfielder subsequently spent the next four matches out of the team.

Despite the setback, the experience became an important learning moment in his career. Iwobi said it helped him improve his decision-making and distribution, making him more effective with both long and short passes.

The 27-year-old later played a key role for Nigeria as the Super Eagles secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

At club level, Iwobi has also become an influential figure for Fulham FC, helping the London side maintain a strong position in the Premier League standings.

Iwobi now views his challenging spell under Ancelotti as a valuable lesson that helped shape his growth into a more disciplined and tactically aware player.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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