Alex Iwobi Reveals How Frank Lampard Rescued His Everton Career After AFCON Nightmare
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Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that he feared his Everton career was all but finished following his red card at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Iwobi was sent off during Nigeria’s round of 16 defeat to Tunisia at the tournament in Cameroon — a setback that came amid an already difficult period at club level.
Reflecting on the moment, Iwobi said returning to Goodison Park after the tournament only deepened his worries.
“There was one of the AFCONs I got sent off. When I came back, they told me, ‘Alex, you’re going on loan.’ That was under Rafa Benitez, and I wasn’t really playing,” he said.
At the time, Everton were managed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, and Iwobi had struggled for consistent opportunities. The midfielder admitted the period took a mental toll, especially after limited playing time for both club and country.
“I went to AFCON, wasn’t really playing, then featured in the round of 16 and got sent off. I came back thinking, ‘I’m having a nightmare. I’m probably never going to play again,’” he added.
Things shifted when Frank Lampard replaced Benitez at Everton. Initially, Iwobi was again informed that a loan move was being considered, but this time he refused to leave.
“They said I was going on loan again. I told them no — I’d rather stay and fight for my place. If I don’t play, I don’t play,” he explained.
Lampard’s approach proved pivotal. Instead of restricting Iwobi to a rigid role on the wing, the former Chelsea manager encouraged him to express himself.
“Lampard gives everyone a chance. He told me, ‘You do it in training, so why can’t you do it in matches? Just express yourself,’” Iwobi said.
The turning point came when Lampard deployed him in central midfield — a position Iwobi feels suits him best.
“When he put me in midfield and told me to be myself, that’s when my career was revitalised. I started playing regularly and impacting games. That was my best period,” he recalled.
Iwobi went on to become one of Everton’s most reliable performers during a challenging spell for the club, before eventually securing a move to Fulham, where he continues to play regularly in the Premier League.
