By John Essien
Nigerian star Alex Iwobi will return to Everton with news that Rafael Benitez has been sacked following Saturday’s Premier League defeat to relegation-threatened Norwich City, according to reports.
The 25-year-old who is currently on international duty with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a 71st minute substitute as Nigeria cruised to the last 16 after beating Sudan 3-1.
Iwobi has enjoyed a considerable amount of game time under his Spaniard boss and could receive instructions from a new Manager soon after reports emerged that Everton have agreed to part ways with Benitez.
The Toffees have picked up just one point from their last four Premier League outings and have won only one of their last 13 top-flight games stretching back to September, losing nine of those.
Benitez’s initial appointment at Goodison Park in the summer was greeted with a frosty reception by many Everton fans due to his previous Champions League-winning spell in charge of local rivals Liverpool.
Anger amongst the supporters has been growing amid the team’s poor run of form, with banners calling for both Benitez and the board to leave the club being seen in the stands during the defeat to Norwich this weekend.
90min reports that Benitez and Everton have reached a mutual agreement to part company, with an official announcement expected on Monday.
Assistant boss Duncan Ferguson is expected to take the reins while Everton search for a replacement, while Leighton Baines is set to assist him in interim charge.
Benitez has taken charge of 22 games during his six-and-a-half months at Goodison Park, winning seven, drawing five and losing 10 of those
