Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up on why he snubbed England to play for the West African giants at senior level.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Iwobi, a former Arsenal star, graduated from the Arsenal youth team and played for England at U16, U17, and U18 levels before becoming cap-tied to Nigeria.
He played his competitive debut against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on March 25, 2016.
The midfielder, who played for Everton before moving to Fulham last summer, revealed that although he was well treated by the English Football Association, he chose to play for the Super Eagles due to his Nigerian heritage.
“I wouldn’t say I have any regrets. I’d like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to do them proud,” he said in an interview with reporters
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“But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I’m at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I’ve grown up in a Nigerian culture so I’d say that I have no regrets picking Nigeria over England
“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.
“I’m always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp it’s like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in.
“I’m enjoying my time and hopefully there’s more years to come as well.”
In another report, Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi is excited with the future of African football.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship will kick-off in Zanzibar on Tuesday.
The draw ceremony took place on Sunday.
“One has to commend the scale of this event. You are talking about over 800 000 learners participating across Africa. Also looking at the prize money involved, it will help in the development of school sport and development in Africa,” Amokachi was quoted by CAFonline.
“Such competitions contribute significantly to the growth of football in Africa and as many witnessed at the recent AFCON, African football is on an exciting rise across all sectors and having a strong foundation such as this tournament can only benefit the African football.”
The competition will take place at the Amaan Stadium between 21 – 24 May.