Alex Iwobi: Super Eagles Star Explains Why He Snubbed England International Allegiance

• Alex Iwobi chose to represent Nigeria's national team over England
• The midfielder has become a key figure in the Super Eagles' lineup
• The decision to represent his country and not Three Lions is personal

Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has shed light on his decision to represent the Nigerian national team over England.

Despite growing up in the UK and playing for their youth teams, Iwobi's connection to his Nigerian roots and heritage ultimately led him to don the famous green and white kit.

The 28-year-old is a Hale End Academy product and has played for the Three Lions at the U16, U17, and U18 competitions.

He debuted for the Super Eagles in a 2016 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt.

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Iwobi's decision to switch his international allegiance has indeed paid dividends, as he has become a key figure in the national team's setup.

"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. But I feel more at home in Nigeria. I feel this is where I'm at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone," Iwobi said, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.

Iwobi's personal milestones

Iwobi's decision to represent Nigeria has also been marked by personal milestones. As per Daily Post, the midfielder equalled Nwankwo Kanu's record of most assists by a Nigerian in the English top flight, having registered his 29th since making his debut for Arsenal.

When he started the team's 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON, he overtook his famous uncle, Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha, as Nigeria's seventh most-capped player.

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Iwobi breaks Mikel’s EPL record

Sports Brief reported that Iwobi became the Nigeria player with the most minutes in the Premier League.

The Fulham midfielder broke a longstanding record held by former Nigerian international Mikel.

The former Super Eagles star, who debuted for Chelsea in 2006, held on to the record until he departed from the west London club in the 2016-2017 season.