Arsenal attacker Alex Iwobi has committed himself to Nigeria over England at international level, according to his father Chuka Iwobi.
The 19-year-old has played for England at youth level, but has also featured in two friendlies for Nigeria and was in line to make his competitive debut on Friday, which would rule him out of representing the Three Lions.
Reports yesterday suggested that the FA had made a last-ditch effort to try to lure Iwobi to commit to England, and speculation increased earlier today when the youngster was taken to hospital with food poisoning.
However, his father has now confirmed that Iwobi will play for Nigeria at international level in an attempt to emulate his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha.
"In terms of where he is now, he has allegiance to Nigeria. I am not in a position to say England has come for him or not. I cannot confirm, I cannot deny. He has come to Nigeria, to play for Nigeria. He is, according to FIFA registration, a Nigerian player. So, it is not even a question. He is here to play for Nigeria. According to FIFA records, he is with Nigeria," Chuka Iwobi told Reports Afrique.
"I am praying for it to be the beginning of a long journey for him playing for Nigeria and getting to that pinnacle of playing for Nigeria as well. Maybe, God willing, who knows? We don't know where the journey will take him to. Hopefully with hard work, dedication and respect, doing well for Nigeria, he could go the way of his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha who captained the Super Eagles.
"What a better feeling it would be for me as a father to see him play for Nigeria and becoming a captain in the future, though that's a long way down the line."
Nigeria take on Egypt in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Barney Corkhill
