Arsenal Winger Alex Iwobi: What Okocha Told Me When I Was Younger

Published: May 25, 2018

Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has revealed the influence of Nigeria legend Austin Okocha on his career, saying the former number ten played a key role in his development.

The Hale End Academy graduate has been on the books of Arsenal for fifteen years and rose through the ranks before making his first team debut against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2015, and it was Okocha that advised him to take football as an occupation not a hobby.

''Growing up my uncle (Okocha) has always been there helping me, when I was younger he would always tell me to enjoy my football because football wasn't too serious for me,'' Iwobi told WorldRemit Youtube channel.

Having worked with Andries Jonker, Steve Gatting, Arsene Wenger, Sunday Oliseh, Gernot Rohr, and Neil Dewsnip, John Peacock and Kenny Swain in the England youth teams setup, Iwobi was diplomatic when he was asked to name the best coach to have trained him.

The Gunners number seventeen said : ''Every coach has been helpful to me, I wouldn't say there is one that stood out for every coach''.

Iwobi is set to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Austin Okocha by representing Nigeria at the World Cup before celebrating his 23rd birthday.

Igho Kingsley