Alex Iwobi Reveals How Frank Lampard Rescued His Everton Career After AFCON Red Card

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about a period in his career when he feared his time at Everton might be over, following a red card at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon. The Nigerian international was sent off during the round of 16 clash against Tunisia, compounding an already challenging spell at club level.

Upon returning to Goodison Park, Iwobi said he was stunned by the club’s initial plans. “There was one of the AFCONs I got sent off, came back, they said Alex, you’re gonna go on a loan. Although this is Rafa Benitez, I wasn’t playing like that,” he recalled, referring to then-Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Limited playing opportunities had taken a mental toll on the midfielder, both at Everton and on the international stage.

Iwobi admitted the experience weighed heavily on him: “So I went to AFCON, wasn’t really playing, then I played in the round of 16, got sent off. Come back thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m having a mare. I’m going back to heaven, I’m probably never gonna play.’”

The arrival of Frank Lampard as Everton manager changed the trajectory of Iwobi’s career. Initially, a loan move was still suggested, but the midfielder decided to stand his ground. “Then obviously Rafa Benitez has gone, it’s Lampard. Then they’re saying, ‘Oh, Alex, you’re gonna go on loan.’ I’m not gonna say where. I was like, No, I’m not doing that. I’d rather chill here and try to fight for my place. If I don’t play, I don’t play,” he said.

Lampard’s approach to man-management proved transformative. Rather than confining Iwobi to a rigid role, Lampard encouraged him to play with freedom and trust his instincts. “Lampard gives everyone a chance. In training, I’m a very good training player. So far, you can do it in training, why can’t you do this in matches? I’ve been told by previous managers to set the board around. So they go, no, do your thing,” Iwobi explained.

The defining moment came when Lampard deployed Iwobi in central midfield, a position he believes suits him best. “Then Lampard played me, then he put me in midfield where I actually like playing, again on the ball. And then he said, yo, express, be you,” he said. “Then that’s where I revitalised my career. And my career started playing regularly and making impactful things in the game. So yeah, I’ll say Lampard, man, my best time.”

Iwobi went on to become one of Everton’s most consistent performers during a turbulent period for the club, before securing a move to Fulham, where he continues to play regularly in the Premier League.