15th January, 2015
Newly invited Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is here to represent his country even though he is quite aware that the playing style in Nigeria is very different from that of Arsenal.
Coach of the Dream Team VI Samson Siasia invited the highly rated 18 year old Arsenal’s attacker to see if he can make the cut.
In a chat with footballlive.ng, Iwobi who is a nephew to former Super Eagles Captain and midfield maestro Austin Okocha said that what is driving him at the moment is the dreams to play for his father land.
“This is my country and it’s good to be back here; I know it’s a different style here but hopefully I will get used to it quickly.”
Iwobi is on a two-year contract at the Emirates and does represent the club at the U-19 and U-21 youth champions league. He has been benched with the senior team on a couple of occasions. Iwobi says if he continues to push on, maybe his chances of a senior cap will come soon.
“I believe I have the ability to do so for Arsenal and Nigeria and I just have to prove so over the next couple of days though they want me to concentrate on England but we wanted to have a trial with Nigeria as well to see if I can fit it and represent my homeland”
Iwobi, captain of Arsenal’s U-21 team, is thought to be close to making his senior breakthrough at Arsenal. He featured on the reserve bench for Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Galatasaray in December.
The youngster, who can play on either wing, found the back of the net eight times in 35 appearances for Arsenal’s various youth sides last season.