The father of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, Chuka Iwobi, has disclosed the key factors that influenced his son’s decision to represent Nigeria instead of England at international level.
Alex Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but moved to England at a young age, where he developed his football career and represented the Three Lions at youth levels, including the U-17 and U-18 teams.
Despite his ties to England, the midfielder ultimately pledged his international future to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with Molatsportsgist, Chuba Iwobi revealed that a visit to Nigeria played a decisive role in his son’s choice.
“When Alex came to Nigeria for the first time, he was 18, and I was the one who took him there,” Chuba said.
“At the time, the mindset was for him to come and have a look because he got the invitation from Samson Siasia for the Olympic team.”
According to him, the decision was left entirely to the player after experiencing the country firsthand.
“I said to him, ‘Let’s go, but it is going to be your decision.’ When he went there, the welcome he got from the fans, the team and the nation was resounding,” he added.
Chuba explained that the atmosphere around the national team and the warmth of the people made a strong impression on his son.
“He saw a different kind of atmosphere where there’s so much fun, laughter and prayers. Although I did tell him if it was down to me, he would go back to Nigeria because that’s where his roots are.”
Alex Iwobi went on to commit his international future to Nigeria and made his debut for the Super Eagles in October 2015, featuring in a friendly defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since then, he has established himself as a key member of the national team, representing Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the FIFA World Cup.
