Arsenal's Iwobi delighted to play for Nigeria over England

Mahmoud Elassal
Monday 11 Apr 2016

Nigeria's Iwobi represented England in the youth level then he joined The Super Eagles' senior team

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi has expressed his pleasure in joining Nigeria's senior team despite wearing England's jersey in the youth level in international competitions.

The 19-year-old attacker started his international career in the youth level with England in 2011, playing 11 games. He decided to play for his birth place Nigeria in the senior level in October 2015, replacing Ahmed Musa in the 57th minute of a 2-0 friendly defeat to DR Congo.

"I understand why some England fans are surprised by my decision," Iwobi told The Sun. "It was a difficult one to make, one I thought very carefully about. I have no regrets."

"I have always been part of the England youth set-up and have 11 caps at the Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels," he added.

Nigeria have called Iwobi to be part of the Super Eagles squad in the 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in March.

"When I was first invited by the Nigeria FA, my dad told me to follow my heart, and that is what I have done,” Iwobi said.

The in-form Arsenal forward scored twice so far this season and provided two assists in his first three league starts for the Gunners.

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