‘No regrets choosing Nigeria’ – Ex-England U16 attacker says ahead of record-breaking Super Eagles appearance

Former England U16 attacker Alex Iwobi has insisted he has no regrets about switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, ahead of a record-breaking milestone with the Super Eagles.

The 30-year-old is expected to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria when the Super Eagles face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday evening.

Should he feature against the Portuguese, Iwobi would become the fastest player in history to reach the century mark for the Super Eagles, surpassing the record currently held by former captain Ahmed Musa.

Musa earned his 100th cap in a Fifa World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic on October 10, 2021, reaching the milestone 11 years and 35 days after making his debut against Madagascar.

Iwobi will reach the 100-cap milestone 10 years and 245 days after making his senior debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo, surpassing Musa’s record by a considerable margin.

Reflecting on his journey with the three-time African champions, Iwobi expressed pride in representing the country of his heritage and gratitude to those who played a role in his international career.

He told NFF’s official website: “I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.

“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home.”

Iwobi acknowledged the influence of his father, who encouraged him to make the decision he believed was best for his career.

“My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football, and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision but he didn’t force it down on me.

“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles’ player. 

“It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I can add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”

Iwobi picked his goal against Zambia  in October 2017, which qualified Nigeria for the 2018 Fifa World Cup finals, as his most memorable moment with the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel