Categories: News

Reasons Why Alex Iwobi Chose Nigeria Over England


SoccerNet Nigeria: Alex IwobiSoccerNet Nigeria: Alex Iwobi
Arsenal Football Club midfielder, Alexander Iwobi, has revealed that his club Manager, Arsene Wenger, had wished he played for England but he chose to play for Nigeria his father land when his father, Chuka Iwobi and his relation who is also a former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Okocha persuaded him to play for the U- 23 national team.
“Wenger had preferred Alex play for the England national team but I and Austin Okocha who is a relation of Alex’s mother, my wife advised him to play for Nigeria and he agreed. Alex has huge respect for Okocha since he has watched his video clips and read about his exploits while playing in England as well as in the Super Eagles. So he agreed to play for Nigeria”, Alex’s father, Chuka Iwobi told Sporting-Life in Abuja shortly after the Dream Team VI training.
The father however tipped his son to make the U- 23 team squad despite the boy slow start in yesterday’s training which he attributed to change of environment and newness in the Nigerian team.
“I have seen Alex squared up against bigger and more experienced players in the UK (United Kingdom) and has excelled so I am confident that he will proof his worth in the Nigerian U- 23 national team He is not expected to click in his first attempt but I know his coaches here might have seen the talent and his skills which is most important.
“Players often faced slow start when they play newly in a team. You could see in today’s training that he wasn’t getting the needed passes and had to track back most times to get the ball. I know with more training sessions with the rest of the players as from tomorrow (Thursday) through Saturday he would improve with the national team” Iwobi senior defended.
Alex’s father, Chuka Iwobi, who hails from Onitsha in Anambra confirmed that his son would leave Abuja for North London on Sunday, failure of which could attract a fine.
“Alex is expected to be here till Saturday and must return to England unfailingly this Sunday. Failure to report to the training ground at the Emirates Stadium on Monday would attract a fine.
“But I hope he would have proved himself with the Nigerian U- 23 national team before then”, Iwobi senior disclosed”.
-Leadership Ng

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:36 pm

Biyi Akangbe

Biyi is an editor at Soccernet.ng. He has been in the media industry for almost a decade and has worked with top publishers in Nigeria. He loves Sports, Games and Music! biyi@soccernet.com.ng Twitter: @its_biyi

Share
Published by
Biyi Akangbe

Recent Posts

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

5 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

7 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

9 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

10 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

15 hours ago