Iwobi makes Goodison Park return as Fulham FC defeat Everton to reach Carabao Cup semi-final

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi made a return to Goodison Park for the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash between Everton and Fulham. SportsRation reports.

Iwobi, who switched from Everton to Fulham in the last transfer window, was named in the Cottagers’ starting XI for the crucial match.

The encounter went into a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Super Eagles eligible, Tosin Adarabioyo played a crucial role, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout, securing a 7-6 victory for Fulham. The triumph marked Fulham’s first Carabao Cup semi-final appearance.

Iwobi played for 87 minutes before being substituted at a venue he flourished for four seasons, finishing last-season as the Everton Player of the Year as he played in all matches of the seaon to help the club retain top-flight status.

Alex Iwobi had signed a five-year contract with Everton after transferring from Arsenal with that deal scheduled to end this summer. The transfer fee, as reported by the BBC, was an initial £28 million, with the potential to rise to £34 million with add-ons.

After turning down the Merseyside clubs contract renewal offers, a move to London happened on transfer deadline day. On Tuesday, December 20, the Nigerian international returned to Goodison Park and helped his new club, Fulham FC as they reached their first-ever Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Toffees fans gave Iwobi a warm welcome, in recognition of his commitment to the club through over a century of caps across all competitions.

Two other Nigerian players were in Fulham FC’s starting XI for the match, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was in action alongside Tosin Adarabioyo who struck the winning spot kick.

Fulham FC will now proceed to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with Middlesbrough and Chelsea FC also winning their quarter-final games.