Alex Iwobi has been hailed as ‘key’ to Nigeria’s hopes at this summer’s AFCON tournament by the Super Eagles’ former coach, Sunday Oliseh.

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Sunday Oliseh handed Alex Iwobi his full national debut when he was just 19. He has since scored five and created two in 28 appearances for Nigeria.

“With Iwobi playing the way he is, we would not be lacking, creatively, at the AFCON if he maintains his form,” Oliseh told Completesports.com.

Nigeria will be hoping for a good tournament after missing out on the previous two.

In Nigeria’s first match against Seychelles during the most recent international break, Iwobi drew some criticism despite his team going on to win the match. He got the chance to show improvement in their second game against Egypt, and local media suggest he took advantage of that opportunity.

Nigeria's firward Alex Iwobi (R) fights for the ball with Seychelles' forward Gervais  Waye-Hive during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier final match between Nigeria and Seychelles, in Asaba, Delta State, on March 22, 2019. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)
Nigeria’s firward Alex Iwobi (R) fights for the ball with Seychelles’ forward Gervais Waye-Hive during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier final match between Nigeria and Seychelles, in Asaba, Delta State, on March 22, 2019. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

AllNigeriaSoccer wrote in their player ratings: “Much improved performance from Iwobi. Tried to connect well with the attackers to mixed results but a good showing nonetheless.”

They did criticise one shot from the 22-year-old, but other than that they were clearly pleased with the way he responded after the first game.

Iwobi has five goals and seven assists for Arsenal this season, including a goal against Chelsea and two assists against Liverpool.

He also scored a vital away goal against Rennes recently.