Though flourishing at Fulham, Iwobi recalls bittersweet experiences with football fans

Though flourishing at Fulham, Iwobi recalls bittersweet experiences with football fans

Since arriving at Craven Cottage in September, the Nigerian Fulham star has raked up interesting statistics.  Last week the Super Eagles midfielder shone like a million stars when Fulham hammered West Ham. Iwobi played a key role in Fulham’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United, helping Marco Silva’s side to their second five-goal victory in five days.

Iwobi, who didn’t score on the day, provided an assist for one of the goals at Craven Cottage.

The win was Fulham’s fourth consecutive league game with 3+ goals, the first time they’ve achieved this feat in 62 years.

Iwobi further got the attention of Fantasy Premier League as he racked up valuable points to become one of Fulham’s big assets.

The Nigerian was the third player to get into double figures against Forest, with his tally of 14 the best he’s ever registered in Fantasy.

His two goals were the first time he had ever scored a brace in the top flight, and while he was only allocated one bonus point, he did claim an extra point courtesy of Fulham’s clean sheet.

Iwobi has been a valuable FPL asset over the years, with 679 points to his name since his debut for Arsenal back in 2015.

Now, Iwobi is enjoying fans and EPL ratings. Fans love and root for him. He said it hasn’t always been like that. He has seen the other side of life also.

“When you’re coming onto the scene and doing well, you see fans on social media and in the comments, and you want to see people hyping you up, I’ve also had the hate—that you’re not good enough. When I moved to Everton, there was a high fee (around €40 million or $42 million). Everyone said he costs so much and hasn’t done much. His value is way too high. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen both sides. Now, I’m at an age where I don’t look at it anymore.

“At the same time, you want your fans to know what you’re like personally. And at the end of the day, I’m human—just like my fans. I post a bit (on social networks) to show I’m just a normal person.”

Relaxed and thoughtful in manner, he is. When statistics enter the frame, Iwobi—who joined Arsenal’s ranks aged eight—isn’t.

So long the pinnacle, top players and leagues across Europe are also coming to terms with the Saudi Arabian football boom in top-level soccer, having seen dozens of stars leave the continent for cash-rich teams in the Gulf state over the summer.

From the inside looking out, the change has been equally significant, not least in West London; had star striker Aleksandr not departed for Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal, he would have been one of Iwobi’s teammates.

“There’s much more money,” Iwobi remarks. “I mean, there are more countries involved in the sport. With Saudi Arabia, if you wanted to go there before, it would be like, ‘What are you going there for?’ But many professionals are going there, so the league is probably getting more competitive now.”

What he does know is the difference football makes to lives. Learning his trade in the capital, Iwobi played with people from various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. Through his charity, Project 17, Iwobi aims to integrate individuals—such as those in minority groups—into society through sport. In many ways, it reflects his attitudes and sense of identity.

“I’ve realized that it’s powerful and brings communities together,” he muses out loud. “Growing up, I didn’t have many people coming to my area to organize matches. If they did, I’m sure everyone would have attended—the same as they did for me. I want them to know I’m the same as them,” added Iwobi.