Alex Iwobi has outlined the reason he opted to play for the Nigeria national team over the Three Lions of England.
Iwobi, who represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels, decided to honour the call of the Super Eagles in 2015.
Footballers with dual and multiple nationalities are often at a crossroads when pondering where they will lay their international allegiance.
They consider factors like comfort, environment, camaraderie and, most importantly, the stature of the country on the global stage.
During an interview with the BBC, the 29-year-old revealed how he made his selection.
Alex Iwobi acknowledged his high-profile status as a youth team player of England and Arsenal, which he represented from the age of eight until he was sold to Everton in 2019.
Speaking during his interview, Iwobi said:
“I grew up in England so England was all I knew. I was in the Arsenal academy for years and being recognized as one of the best young talents in England was like an honour, but at the same time, if I was gonna pick England, I would at least like to say I have tried going to Nigeria and seen what it’s like to play for them.”
Iwobi expressed that his maternal uncle, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, the Nigerian football icon, alongside other people, had advised him to get a taste of what it is like to play for Nigeria.
He stated: “I have had advice from my uncle who has played for Nigeria, and advice from other people saying I should go and try it.”
Additionally, Alex Iwobi shared that he took the advice in great stead and went to test his mettle with the under-23 national team, popularly known as the Dream Team VII or Olympic Eagles.
The attacker, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, added: “I went to the under-23 trials, the Olympics, and I enjoyed it because my family is Nigerian. I grew up in a Nigerian household; when I am there, it feels like I am at home.”
The experience felt surreal to him. He admitted the love England showed him while he represented the country but buttressed that he was more connected to Nigeria than the European nation.
Alex Iwobi sat on the bench for the entirety of Nigeria’s 3–1 win over Uganda in their final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Everton man provided two assists for the Super Eagles in their 2–1 victory over Tanzania on December 23, 2025.
Alex Iwobi played the full duration of Eric Chelle’s side’s second group game against Tunisia, where the Nigeria national team secured a 3–2 win over the Carthage Eagles.
