Arsenalforward, A l e x Iwobi, has revealed that it was difficult for him to pick Nigeria ahead of England, but he later summoned the courage. Iwobi went on to represent Arsenal at every age group and turned out for England at the under-18 level, but pledged his international allegiances to his birthplace, Nigeria. “It was a difficult decision picking Nigeria over England,” he told Arsenal’s official website.
“I’m very proud to represent Nigeria… The fans almost eat you up because they love you so much.” The passion with which he has been greeted by the nation comes as little surprise. “He is the star we have been looking for,” said former Nigeria and Arsenal gangling striker, Nwankwo Kanu. Iwobi may be the one Arsenal have been looking for, too. He scored in each of his first two Premier League starts last season, and then grabbed two assists in a 3-3 draw at West Ham United.
But if last season was his coming out party, this 2016/2017 season is proving his breakthrough year. Now a regular in the Gunners’ starting XI, he’s appeared regularly in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League games so far. He has also featured in 10 of Arsenal’s 14 Premier League games so far this season, registering three assists – only Alexis Sanchez has more.
