Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi has confirmed again the English FA tried to make him play for England but turned it down for Nigeria – a decision he is very proud of.
The young forward also told the Arsenal website that moments with Nigerians fans are moments to cherish. The attitude of the fans, he says, has added up to his joy linking up with the Super Eagles.
He said, “It was a difficult decision picking Nigeria over England. England did contact me recently before I played my first competitive match for Nigeria, asking if I wanted to play for England. I’m very proud to represent Nigeria but I would like to say ‘thank you’ to England for the chance they gave me, it was a difficult decision.”
Iwobi was born in Lagos before he moved to London where he joined the Arsenal academy. He made his first competitive appearance for Nigeria last month with the games against Egypt. The attacker had featured for England at the junior level but turned down the chance to continue at the senior level.
“The love Nigeria showed me… when I played for them in a friendly, the fans were just crazy. The fans almost eat you up because they love you so much. I’m enjoying playing for them,” he said of the fans.
“When you’re getting out of the airport there are fans already there screaming ‘Arsenal, Arsenal. Gunners for life!’ and it’s just mad. Some of them have Arsenal shirts and then others will ask me for Arsenal shirts. It’s a bit mad and the fans are crazy.”
