Super Eagles Trio Face Club Turmoil As AFCON Countdown Begins

Super Eagles Trio Face Club Turmoil As AFCON Countdown Begins

By BSN Sports 

With just 31 days remaining until the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, several key Super Eagles players are grappling with form, confidence issues, and managerial instability at their respective clubs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

 Tolu Arokodare, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey are among those facing pivotal moments that could influence both their club campaigns and their international prospects.

Arokodare Struggles to Settle at Wolves

Tolu Arokodare’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers was widely viewed as a major step in his rising career, following a prolific season at Genk where he scored 20 league goals and claimed the Ebony Shoe as Belgium’s best African player. But the 23-year-old has endured a difficult transition to the Premier League.

Arokodare has not scored in seven league appearances and has started only twice under former manager Vítor Pereira, who often opted for other attacking options, citing the Nigerian forward’s dip in form and match sharpness. Although he found the net in a 4–3 EFL Cup defeat to Chelsea, sustained Premier League impact has eluded him.

His struggles have extended to the national team. In his last six appearances for Nigeria, he has scored only once, and he was largely ineffective in the World Cup play-off loss to DR Congo, registering just a single off-target header.

Fresh Opportunity Under Rob Edwards

Wolves’ appointment of Rob Edwards may offer Arokodare a crucial reset. Edwards favours a direct, high-tempo attacking system that relies heavily on wide deliveries an approach that could suit Arokodare’s aerial presence and physical strength. With the club winless in 11 matches and sitting eight points from safety, the need for a reliable goalscorer is urgent.

For Nigeria, a return to form is essential if Arokodare is to make the final AFCON squad and challenge for a starting role as the Super Eagles aim to rebound from their World Cup qualification failure.

Iwobi and Bassey Enter Uncertain Phase at Fulham

At Fulham, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey find themselves in a precarious situation as the club’s poor start to the season places manager Marco Silva under intense scrutiny. Fulham sit one point above the relegation zone, and reports indicate that the club’s hierarchy is actively reviewing Silva’s position.

Although Silva has delivered significant achievements including a top-ten finish, record Premier League points, and deep domestic cup runs his reluctance to commit to a long-term extension, coupled with the team’s slump, has heightened uncertainty around his future.

Silva’s Influence on Iwobi and Bassey

Iwobi, who joined Fulham in September 2023, has flourished under Silva’s guidance. The Portuguese manager repositioned him as a versatile midfield asset capable of playing as a creator, central midfielder, or wide attacker. The transformation helped restore Iwobi’s confidence and established him as a vital figure for both club and country.

Bassey has undergone a similar revival. After a difficult spell at Ajax, Silva entrusted him with significant responsibilities across the defence, reinvigorating his form and reasserting his value to the Super Eagles.

High Stakes for Nigeria Ahead of AFCON

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 intensifies, Nigeria’s preparations are already under scrutiny following the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup. The performances and stability of key players like Arokodare, Iwobi, and Bassey over the coming weeks may prove decisive not only for their club futures but also for Nigeria’s ambition to reclaim continental glory and restore national confidence.