Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed how former Chelsea and England star Frank Lampard played a key role in reviving his football career during a difficult period.
Speaking on The Inside Scoop podcast, the Nigerian international reflected on his time at Everton, where he played under Lampard after struggling for form and facing the possibility of being loaned out.
“Hands down, Lampard revived my career,” Iwobi said. “After one of the AFCONs where I was sent off, I came back and Rafa Benitez told me I’d be going out on loan. I was having a rough time. But when Lampard came in, everything changed.”
He recalled how Lampard initially suggested a loan move abroad, but Iwobi refused, determined to stay and fight for his place. “Lampard gives everyone a chance. He saw how well I trained and challenged me to bring that same energy into games,” Iwobi explained.
The turning point came when Lampard allowed Iwobi to play in his preferred midfield position. “He told me, ‘Express yourself, be you.’ That gave me freedom. That’s where I revitalised my career,” Iwobi added. “My best time was under Lampard.”
