Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi was the standout performer as Fulham wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim in Germany, Soccernet.ng reports.
With more than 9,000 fans in attendance, the Nigerian international showcased his creative brilliance, playing a pivotal role in both of Fulham’s goals.
The first half saw a quiet opening, but Iwobi ignited the game in the 33rd minute.
Displaying his trademark vision, he delivered an exquisite chipped pass that cut through Hoffenheim’s defence, perfectly meeting the run of Emile Smith Rowe.
The English midfielder, who was clinical throughout, made no mistake, threading his shot through the legs of Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper, Oliver Baumann, from a tight angle.
Iwobi continued to be at the heart of Fulham’s attacking efforts.
Early in the second half, a neat exchange between Smith Rowe and Iwobi set the latter up for a powerful shot, which was parried by Baumann, with Rodrigo Muniz unable to convert the rebound.
But it was in the 59th minute that Iwobi truly stamped his authority on the match.
Picking up the ball deep in Fulham’s half, he surged forward before delivering a sublime diagonal pass that found Adama Traoré.
https://youtu.be/891AeCdkX0g?si=6jLEgl0c7xkHL32k
The winger, fed by Iwobi’s precision, showed great strength to hold off his marker and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing Baumann to double Fulham’s lead.
Though Hoffenheim applied pressure in the latter stages, with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno making a series of fine saves, it was Iwobi’s creative genius that defined the match.
His performance will certainly be a boost for Fulham as they head into their Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford next Friday.
