Iwobi reflects on his Arsenal days under Arsene Wenger, choosing Nigeria over England

Everton winger Alex Iwobi has revealed that he has no regrets choosing to represent the Nigeria national team over the Three Lions of England.

The former Arsenal star had already been capped by England at U16, U17 and U18 levels before traveling to Abuja to trial with the Nigeria U23 team ahead of an African Games qualifier against Gabon.

Iwobi made two cameos for the Super Eagles against Cameroon and DR Congo in October 2015 before playing his cap-tying game for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in March 2016.

"I've been here for a while now and I'm familiar with the team, even from the first time I came here they always made me feel welcome and I'm always enjoying myself when we are playing matches, in training, in the camp, it's like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself," Iwobi told MTN Nigeria's We Move With Super Eagles.

"I am enjoying my time and hopefully there is more years to come as well."

He added : "I wouldn't say I have any regret playing for Nigeria, I'd like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities.

"I feel more at home in Nigeria. I feel that this is where I'm at home and where I represent. I grew up in the Nigerian culture so I'd say that I have no regrets picking Nigeria over England."

Iwobi is grateful to legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for giving him the opportunity to play first team football, adding that he learnt a lot under the tutelage of the Frenchman.

The Super Eagle played 98 games during Wenger's time in charge of Arsenal, scoring nine goals and providing eighteen assists.

Reflecting on his Arsenal days under Wenger, Iwobo said : "He gives everyone opportunities especially young players like myself. I was able to grow and learn a lot from his training sessions and be the player I'm today.

"I'd like to thank him for giving me the opportunity to play first team football for Arsenal."

Barring an injury, Iwobi will represent Nigeria in this third major tournament - the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations starting in January 2022.

Igho Kingsley