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?