Super Eagles: How I chose Nigeria over England – Iwobi opens up
Alex Iwobi Reflects on Choosing to Play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles
In a recent episode of the Beast Mode On podcast, Alex Iwobi discussed his decision to represent Nigeria in international football rather than England, addressing the pivotal moments that influenced his choice.
Iwobi, a former player for England’s youth teams, shared insights from former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, who advised him to consider his future carefully, including the possibility of waiting for a call-up to the senior England national team. Despite his early involvement with the England Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 squads, his progress was hindered by limited opportunities with Arsenal’s first team.
The turning point in Iwobi’s career occurred when he received an invitation to join Nigeria’s Olympic team. After deliberating with family members, he decided to explore this opportunity.
“I began playing for Nigeria when I was 19,” Iwobi said. “I wasn’t getting regular first-team action at Arsenal, which was challenging for my development. Most players on the England U21 team were actively starting in matches across the Championship or League One, while I found myself on the sidelines.”
During his time at Arsenal, Iwobi was approached about potentially transitioning to the U21 team under then-manager Gareth Southgate. However, the interest from Nigeria prompted a pivotal discussion with his father and uncle, who encouraged him to try out for the team.
Iwobi recounted his initial experiences with the Nigerian national team, describing the conditions as basic but emphasizing a strong sense of camaraderie. “I had to wash my own kit, and the pitch was half grass,” he noted. “There was a unique intensity; if someone made a bad pass, they were expected to run laps. It was a new experience for me.”
He recalled the comfort he felt within the team, with familiar foods and enthusiastic celebrations from fans.
A significant moment came when he was called up for a match against Egypt. At the time, he was still securing his FIFA clearance and couldn’t participate in knockout games, but he attended to support the team. “The away fans created an atmosphere that felt like home,” Iwobi remarked.
Wenger allowed Iwobi to make the final decision regarding his international representation. “He asked me if I wanted to delay and consider England or go and represent Nigeria,” Iwobi said. Ultimately, he chose to play for Nigeria, receiving support and well-wishes from Wenger.
“I enjoy playing for England due to its disciplined structure and talented players,” Iwobi remarked. “Yet, playing for Nigeria is always an adventure—you never know how things will unfold.”
Iwobi made his debut for the Super Eagles in October 2015 during a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Visé, Belgium. Since then, he has become a key player for Nigeria, appearing in 98 matches and scoring ten goals.
