Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained why he chose to represent the Nigeria national team at the senior level rather than England, where he grew up.

A graduate of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, Iwobi played for England’s U16, U17, and U18 teams before becoming cap-tied to the Super Eagles following his competitive debut against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on March 25, 2016.

In 2015, Iwobi trained with Nigeria’s Olympic Team and was set to play against Gabon U23s in an African Games qualifier. However, questions about his eligibility arose, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation to pull him from the squad.

Iwobi revealed that, despite being treated well by the English Football Association, he chose to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria due to his Nigerian heritage.

In an interview with Sportblog247.com, Iwobi said, “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 make them proud. But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I belong and where I represent my family and everyone. I’ve grown up in a Nigerian culture, so I have no regrets picking Nigeria over England.”

Lagos-born Iwobi has embraced playing for his birth country despite growing up in Turkey and England. During the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Angola in the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON, he overtook his famous uncle, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, as Nigeria’s seventh most capped player. He is now behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu, and Muda Lawal.

“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 also 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 are more years to come as well,” Iwobi concluded.