Despite the team’s hectic schedule of games, Fulham manager Marco Silva has given an explanation for why he has not been able to give Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi a break.
Following Fulham’s FA Cup triumph over Stoke City on Sunday, Silva told FFCtv that it was challenging to bench the Nigerian due to roster constraints.
The Portuguese coach made ten changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night in order to rotate significantly for the cup match.
But the only man kept in the starting lineup was Iwobi.
Winger Samuel Chukwueze did not make the starting XI, and fellow Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey was left out of the match due to the reshuffle.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Iwobi has continued to be one of Fulham’s most reliable players, playing a significant role in the team’s recent games.
The midfielder has demonstrated his value to the team by playing 448 of 450 potential minutes in all competitions.
Silva gave an explanation for his decision to start the Nigerian again, stating that squad depth is still a top priority.
“Alex, he couldn’t stop playing another game.” Silva stated, “We don’t have many options to do that, and the backline held up well, so maybe it was a good chance to let him rest.”
After Stoke City took the lead, Iwobi came close to scoring his 100th goal for Fulham, but his header missed the left post by inches.
The former Everton and Arsenal player has played 35 games for club and country since the 2025–2026 season began, underscoring his increasing impact on Fulham and the Nigerian national team.
