Three Reasons Why Mikel Should Step Down For Iwobi As Super Eagles Playmaker

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mike Obi returned to the Super Eagles after one year in the international wilderness to lead the team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nation and much is expected from him.

Unfortunately, the 32-year-old failed to live up to his billing in their first match of the tournament against Burundi on Saturday as he was subbed out in 58th minute.

Though it ended 1-0 in Nigeria's favor, many Super Eagles fans are of the opinion that the team would have done better if Mikel and Iwobi weren't played out of position.

They believe Mikel should've played alongside Wilfred Ndidi at the defensive midfield position, while Iwobi operates as the team's playmaker to get positive result.

Just as proposed by the fans, allnigeriasoccer.com comes up with three reasons why Rohr must deploy Iwobi as his playmaker for the rest of their stay in Egypt

1. Alex Iwobi Can Orchestrate Quick counter-attacking Moves Than Mikel

Considering Nigeria's style of play, a speedy playmaker is needed to orchestrate many counter-attacking moves and a pacy iwobi is the best man for the job.

2. Iwobi's Defense-splitting Passes Are More Precise

Though Mikel is known for his wonderful passing accuracy, Iwobi's attack-initiating passes are more needed by the strikers and wingers to pounce on.

Mikel hardly created any goalscoring opportunity for Paul Onuachu against Burundi, which is a testament that the captain isn't the man for the playmaking position.

3. Mikel and Ndidi Combo Will Be Too Strong For Opponents To Penetrate

Mikel and Ndidi are two physical players who can out-muscle opponents and their partnership will definitely provide a strong shield to the back four.

This means that versatile Oghenakaro Etebo will have to drop down to the substitute bench while Iwobi takes over the number 10 position.

Ibukun Italoye