Why Alex Iwobi chose Nigeria over England – Father

Chuba Iwobi, father of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, has opened up on why his son chose to represent Nigeria at senior level despite growing up in England and featuring for the country at youth levels. The 29-year-old, a Fulham midfielder, is also the nephew of former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha. A key figure […]

Chuba Iwobi, father of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, has opened up on why his son chose to represent Nigeria at senior level despite growing up in England and featuring for the country at youth levels.

The 29-year-old, a Fulham midfielder, is also the nephew of former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha. A key figure for Nigeria, Iwobi has earned 93 caps, ranking just behind Joseph Yobo (101), Vincent Enyeama (101), and Ahmed Musa (111) in the country’s all-time appearance list.

Born in Lagos, Iwobi moved to England at eight months old and came through the Hale End Academy, representing England at U-17 and U-18 levels. Yet, in 2015, he pledged his international future to the Super Eagles.

“Alex was born into a football family,” Chuba said. “His uncle Jay-Jay Okocha amazed the world with his skills, and I played for several clubs in Nigeria before moving to England. I always hoped my son would play professionally, but what he has achieved is beyond anything I imagined.”

Iwobi also holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by a Nigerian, with 307 matches—surpassing Shola Ameobi (298), Kanu Nwankwo (273), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (252), and John Obi Mikel (249).

Despite growing up in England, the midfielder’s choice reflects his deep connection to his roots and the family legacy, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football exports.

“When Alex came to Nigeria for the first time, he was 18, and I was the one who took him there,” Chuba told Molatsportsgist.
“At the time, the mindset was for him to come and have a look because he got the invitation from Samson Sia Sia for the Olympic team.
“I said to him, ‘Let’s go, but it is going to be your decision’. When he went there, the welcome he got from the fans, the team and the nation was resounding.
“He saw a different kind of atmosphere where there’s so much fun, laughter and prayers.

“Although I did tell him if it was down to me, he would go back to Nigeria because that’s where his roots are.”

Iwobi made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in a loss to DR Congo in October 2015, beginning a career that has seen him become one of Nigeria’s key midfielders.