Alex Iwobi Admits: It Wasn't Easy Picking Nigeria Over England

Published: May 20, 2018

Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has admitted that it was a difficult decision to commit his international future to Nigeria, where he was born, over England, where he was raised.

The Hale End Academy graduate turned out for England's U16, U17 and U18 teams before he became cap-tied to the Super Eagles when he made his competitive debut against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on March 25, 2016.

Iwobi had trained with Nigeria's Olympic Team in 2015 and was in the frame to play against Gabon U23s in an All Africa Games qualifier but there were question marks about his eligibility so the Nigerian Federation had to pull him out of the squad.

''It wasn’t easy for me picking Nigeria over England given the fact that I was brought up in England given the good care and treatment I got,'' said Iwobi to The Sun Nigeria.

''However, Nigeria gave me good reason to stay on when I made my first call up at the U23.

''I was made to feel at home and wanted. My family is from here and I had no reason not to take up the offer.''

Iwobi's former England U17 teammates Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are in line to play against him in the Super Eagles friendly against the Three Lions at Wembley on June 2.

Igho Kingsley