ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Everton wing-back, Alex Iwobi, has admitted that he is inspired by his famous uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha and hopes to surpass the achievements of the legendary Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers playmaker.
The general feeling in these parts is that Okocha is the most skilful player produced by Africa and for now his nephew Iwobi is way behind him but comparisons are inevitable since they are both related and have played similar positions in midfield for the national team.
The Everton number 17 says he is not under pressure whenever he steps out on the pitch because Okocha keeps encouraging him.
“He’s always encouraging me; I don’t feel the pressure at all.
“He has always being telling me from young just go and express yourself so I don’t feel no pressure whenever I’m stepping on the pitch.
“I remember as a kid just going to watch him and some of the skills, some of the performances, the assists, the goals he used to get were outrageous.
“Maybe one day I can produce better than him,” said Iwobi.
However, Iwobi wishes to convert his strong performance in Everton’s Premier League win over Fulham on Sunday into a productive run in Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Traditionally a forward, Iwobi replied to being recalled in a wing-back position with a huge contribution to the victory at Craven Cottage which reversed Everton’s recent fortunes.
Meanwhile, Nigeria-eligible striker Dapo Afolayan was on the scoresheet as West Ham United beat Manchester United 2-0 in an English Premier League 2 (EPL 2) clash at Rush Green on Friday night.
The Chelsea product is seemingly in contention to be nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month next week on the back of his brilliant form in November 2020, taking his tally for the month to five goals in four games with his double against Manchester United.
Afolayan has found the net in each of his last four games for the Hammers in the division, with his streak starting against Derby County on November 2 before netting in back-to-back matches against Liverpool, Leicester City and Manchester United.
