Alex Iwobi: Super Eagles star says it was difficult to turn down England

Even after making his debut for the Super Eagles, Iwobi confirmed that England tried taking him back.

Alex Iwobi says he's proud of playing for Nigeria (Instagram)

Super Eagles and Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi has revealed that it was difficult to turn down England for Nigeria.

Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria but moved to England and represented them at the U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels.

Iwobi represented England at the U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels. (FA)

He was quickly approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and was convinced to switch his allegiance back to Nigeria.

Even after making his debut for the Super Eagles, the 19-year-old has confirmed that England tried taking him back before his first competitive game for Nigeria.

Alex Iwobi confirmed English FA tried stopping him from making a competitive debut for the Super Eagles (Goal)

Now a full Nigeria international after finally making his competitive debut in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt, Iwobi says turning down England was a difficult decision.

 

 “It was a difficult decision picking Nigeria over England,” Iwobi told Arsenal official website.

 “England did contact me recently before I played my first competitive match for Nigeria, asking if I wanted to play for England. I’m very proud to represent Nigeria but I would like to say thank you to England for the chance they gave me, it was a difficult decision.”

The forward was invited by former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh to the two friendly matches against Congo and Cameroon in October 2015.

Sunday Oliseh invited Alex Iwobi to Super Eagles friendly games against Congo and Cameroon in October 2015 (Twitter/NFF)

He revealed that the love Nigeria showed him during that time convinced him that he has made the right choice.

“When you’re getting out of the airport there are fans already there screaming ‘Arsenal, Arsenal. Gunners for life!’ and it’s just mad. Some of them have Arsenal shirts and then others will ask me for Arsenal shirts. It’s a bit mad and the fans are crazy,” he added.