Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi has revealed that he decided to commit his international career to Nigeria after talking with his father.
The breakthrough star was born in the African country, but moved to the United Kingdom at the age of four, and has grown up as a Londoner.
Iwobi went onto appear for England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels, but recently decided to commit himself to play for his country of birth instead.
Arsene Wenger urged the youngster to play for the Three Lions, but following a talk with his father, he made the decision to switch allegiances to play for Nigeria.
“I understand why some England fans are surprised with my decision.
“It was a difficult one to make, one I thought very carefully about. I have no regrets.
“I have always been part of the England youth set-up and have 11 caps at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels.
“But when I was first invited by the Nigeria FA, my dad told me to follow my heart and that is what I have done.”
Iwobi started his fourth game in a row today at West Ham, and is quickly becoming a fans favourite for his club, and we would have loved to have had him available for the European Championship for England too.
His father appears to have had a big influence on his decision, and you cant really fault a young guy for having family values, despite our unhappiness not to have him playing for our beloved country.
Another blow to us is that we will now have to lose him for the African Cup of Nations in the future, as well as having him unavailable for the start of the season, should he be selected for Nigeria’s Olympic squad.
Would Iwobi have been a shoo-in for the England squad?
Thumbs up if you’re watching Joshua vs Martin tonight 🙂
Too depressed
Oh and I don’t watch boxing too lol
But I hope the British boxer wins.
We are in danger of city with nasri and de bruyne back.
Sanchez needs to stop chanelling his inner gervinho
ozil needs to stop being invisible
welbeck needs to start firing
koscienly and gabriel have to stop being so garbage
and we need to add still to our midfield .
Its too lightweight and mediocre
and please return cech to the starting lineup
2 goals, 2 assists in his last 3 games. Unbelievable!
2 goals and 4 assists actually 😉
Wow Atheltico Madrid now turning into a powerhouse in Laliga. They are now title contenders every season or every other season. That makes them a much better side than us.
I think if they play Barcelona in 2nd leg like we did in the 2nd leg, high press n all they could win that tie.
I watched stuttgart v bayern.
I saw players oozing class
I watched swansea v chelsea I saw a professional display.
West ham v arsenal was just 20 grownup men embarassing themseves on a pitch with the ball
Iwobi’s matter is a different subject for another Day
Right now, we have a team that’s all over the place and a clueless sherperd watching over the flock!
How did Westham make a double comeback in two minutes?
And
How did we throw away the League with 6 games to go?
We have been doing our best to throw the league away all season. We consistently throw good opportunities away.
Wenger needs to spend money on a quality CB and DM for our defense.
Iwobi did something Giroud and Walcott didn’t. He was given a chance too advantage of that chance and earned a starting position with his consistency.
Iwobi and Campbell breakthrough players 2015-16
Last season breakthrough players were Bellerin and Coquelin