'Grateful to Arsenal' – Iwobi cites Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly as he praises club's youth system

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has paid a heartfelt tribute to Arsenal, expressing gratitude to the North London club for shaping his football career and for continuing to produce exceptional young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

In an interview with The Guardian, Iwobi, who came through Arsenal's famed Hale End academy, described himself as "blessed" and "happy" with his journey so far, while applauding the club's commitment to youth development.

"I'm so blessed and I'm so happy to be in the position I am today," Iwobi said. "I'm obviously grateful to Arsenal because they always produce youngsters.

"I saw Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri during the off-season, and you wouldn't think that they're 18 – they're both very mature and carry themselves really well."

Now plying his trade at Fulham, the 29-year-old midfielder also revealed that the Cottagers are determined to push for European qualification after narrowly missing out during the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

"We were so close to achieving a European spot," he reflected on the performance of the club last season. "So it's another ambition that we want to fulfil."

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Iwobi reaffirmed his commitment to the Super Eagles, stating that despite the tournament clashing with Fulham's busy mid-season schedule, he would choose to represent Nigeria.

"It's not nice for us [to have to choose]," he admitted. "But with all due respect to Fulham, I would like to go to the AFCON."

Reflecting on his off-the-pitch life, Iwobi credited his uncle, Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, for offering early financial guidance that has helped him build a stable future.

"He showed my dad the blueprint, and ever since I signed my first professional contract, almost all my investments go into properties, and my dad manages that for me," he revealed.

"Obviously, football is a short career. I wouldn't want anyone going bankrupt easily or immediately after football. I'm just grateful that I had my parents and my uncle to guide me and tell me what's best for my future as well as the life I'm living currently."

As he approaches his 30th birthday next season, Iwobi said he remains motivated to keep pushing himself at the highest level.

"No matter what age you are, I feel like you have to give 100%. But yeah, I am kicking on. I'm going to be 30 next season. So I'm no longer a young kid, but hopefully next season I'll make another big statement."

Adeyemi Adewale

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