Iwobi’s deleted Instagram posts: What Super Eagles & Fulham fans need to know after Palace defeat

Alex Iwobi has become the centre of a social-media story at Fulham after appearing to remove Fulham-related posts from his Instagram account, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international’s main Instagram page, which boasts over 1.5bmillion followers, now contains only a small number of pictures and no visible Fulham-related posts.

Fulham team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has also appeared to clear club content from his account. The changes were noticed just days after Fulham lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, a game where Iwobi made Premier League history.

The discovery has attracted attention because it came during a difficult start to Álvaro Arbeloa’s first Premier League season as Fulham manager.

Fulham have lost all three of their league matches. They were beaten 2-3 by Chelsea on matchday one, lost 0-1 at Sunderland six days later and then suffered the 3-2 home defeat by Crystal Palace on September 5. They have conceded seven goals across those three games.

However, there is no confirmed evidence that Iwobi deleted the posts because of a disagreement with Arbeloa or problems inside the dressing room.

The Sun reported that it was unclear when Iwobi and Smith Rowe made the Instagram changes. That means the social-media activity cannot, by itself, prove that either player is unhappy with the manager or the club.

Why the social-media activity has caused concern

The speculation has grown because Iwobi and Smith Rowe's Instagram changes came alongside another unusual social-media post from Fulham midfielder Kevin.

The Brazilian, who has been on the bench for all three Premier League matches, posted an image on September 5 with the message, “No speak, no hear, no see”. He was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace. Supporters quickly wondered whether the post was connected to his lack of playing time, although there is no confirmation that it was aimed at Arbeloa.

The bigger issue is Fulham's poor results. Against Palace, Fulham took the lead twice through Josh King and César Palacios. Palace fought back through Tyrick Mitchell before Ben Chilwell scored the late winner. Fulham had 25 shots in the match, which suggests the attack was capable of creating chances. Their defensive mistakes proved more costly.

Iwobi, one of Nigeria's top earners in the Premier League, has started all three league games. He played 90 minutes against Chelsea and Sunderland before completing 82 minutes against Palace. He has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this season.

Arbeloa has acknowledged Fulham's defensive problems and said his players are working hard to improve. The manager now faces difficult league fixtures, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the opponents ahead.

What it means for Iwobi and the Super Eagles

Nigeria supporters have another reason to follow Iwobi's situation closely. The midfielder is entering an important international period with the Super Eagles preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Nigeria are in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. CAF has confirmed that Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Iwobi is an established member of Eric Chelle's squad. He was part of the Nigeria team selected for the June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, and he reached 100 appearances for the Super Eagles against Portugal in Leiria. That milestone put him alongside Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa as one of Nigeria's century-makers.

His club form will therefore matter as Nigeria prepare for competitive football. The numbers from Fulham's opening three league games are modest. Iwobi has played 262 Premier League minutes, with three starts, two shots and no goal or assist. He has also been used in a deeper midfield role rather than as a regular attacking midfielder.

Nigeria need the experienced midfielder to provide control and creativity as Chelle's side begin a new AFCON qualifying campaign. A difficult spell at Fulham does not automatically mean Iwobi will struggle with the Super Eagles, but regular club football and confidence can help him arrive in camp in a stronger position.

With AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau approaching, Iwobi has a chance to answer the speculation on the pitch.