Nigeria boast some of the brightest young talents in Europe at the moment with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal spearheading what could be described as the new era in Nigerian football.
Both players, aged 20, have been in blistering form in the last one year for their Premier League sides.
Though with contrasting style of play, the pair has constantly been compared to each other due to their absolutely growing reputation in the English top flight.
The debate got more heated when the pair lined up for the Super Eagles against Zambia on Sunday.
Nigeria were 2-1 winners on the road – something they’ve failed to achieve in the last two years thanks to both players who were on target.
With all these in mind, let’s take a look at how the pair match statistically according to Squawka.
National team
Iheanacho and Iwobi have both featured six times for the Super Eagles. However, it is the Manchester City man who stands tall with four goals against Iwobi’s sole strike.
Iheanacho 1 – 0 Iwobi
League goals
In the Premier League, both youngsters have made five appearances respectively – with Iheanacho thus far superior with two goals while Iwobi is yet to score this season.
Iheanacho 2-0 Iwobi
Chances created
Iheanacho with nine has created two more chances than his compatriot who has played three minutes more in the Premier League this season.
Iheanacho 3-0 Iwobi
Pass accuracy
This is one area where Iwobi has simply been outstanding for Arsenal this season. In his five appearances, the 20-year-old has had 85 percent accuracy with his passes against Iheanacho’s 75.
Iheanacho 3-1 Iwobi
Shot accuracy
Iheanacho has scored a total of 10 Premier League goals despite only attempting 14 shots on target. He possesses an unbelievable 75 percent shot accuracy – something not really part of Iwobi’s game with 33.
Iheanacho 4-1 Iwobi
Average duel won
Iwobi’s strengths lies on his skills, tricks and flicks. He boasts an impressive 58 percent average duels won whereas Iheanacho averages about 25 percent less.
Iheanacho 4-2 Iwobi
Defensive actions/cards
Iwobi has been involved defensively more than Iheanacho which explains why he’s been booked once.
Iheanacho 4-3 Iwobi
Managers’ view
Kelechi is a natural goalscorer. I like his personality, his attitude, his ability – we hope to help him reach the highest level and to realise his full potential – Pep Guardiola
Iwobi a player who connects the team and that’s why I think he’s integrated so quickly, because our game is based on those combinations – Arsene Wenger
Nigeria skipper’s view
“It’s amazing to see these young players coming through – Iwobi and Iheanacho – they’re doing great for their clubs and I think they are the future of this Super Eagles,” Chelsea’s Mikel Obi told Goal.
