Nigeria star Alex Iwobi admits facing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Nigeria’s African play-off semi-final against Gabon will be a challenge.
The two were teammates at Arsenal between 2017 and 2019, and Iwobi has nothing but respect for the 36-year-old Gabon captain.
“He’s getting on, but you wouldn’t think that. He’s a youthful guy,” Iwobi told BBC Sport Africa. “I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up. We both have the same goal, and we both respect that, but he’s such a great person off the pitch as well. I was his little brother. He was taking care of me. He used to talk to me, have banter, just make sure I feel comfortable. On the pitch, he always said to me, ‘Alex, just express yourself, be you.’ He’s a very, very happy guy. His aura and his charisma are just amazing. He’s always playing with a smile on his face.”
Aubameyang has scored seven goals in qualifying, including four in one game against The Gambia, and will be motivated to lead Gabon to their first World Cup. Iwobi said the Super Eagles are ready for the test: “We’ve got to play Gabon first, and I’m sure he wants to go to the World Cup as well.”
Nigeria now face Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final in Morocco. The winner will meet the victor of Cameroon vs DR Congo for a spot in an intercontinental qualifier in March.
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