Despite appearing for England at youth level, Alex Iwobi decided in 2015 to represent Nigeria at senior level, and has recently explained why, in a report by the Mirror.
The Arsenal midfielder admitted it was an extremely tough decision, however, stated his family played a main role in the decision, including former Bolton Wanderers star and Iwobi’s uncle Jay-Jay Okocha, who is a Nigerian legend.
Speaking to the media in Nigeria, Iwobi said:
I was growing up in England and England was the only national team I knew, so I was actually very pleased to play at national level. However, my family are all from Nigeria, I was born in Nigeria, my uncle (Jay-Jay Okocha) is a legend in Nigeria. I went to the Under 23’s and somehow felt more welcome, and I thought it’s where I belong, so I made the decision to switch.
Iwobi has shone for Nigeria since the switch two years ago, and starred in their recent shock 4-2 win over Argentina, a game which saw Iwobi find the back of the net on two occasions.
After his stellar performance for his national side, Iwobi will be hoping Arsene Wenger was keeping a close eye on him, as he looks to nail down a regular starting spot for the Gunners, starting this Saturday in the North London derby.
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