My son belongs to Nigeria not England, says Iwobi’s father

Chuka Iwobi, father of Arsenal youngster Alex, says his son’s allegiance is to Nigeria and not England.

The rising star is being targeted to play for England having come through the country’s junior ranks.

But his father, a former Vasco and Femo Scorpion player, told TheCable: “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.”

Iwobi also spoke on his expectations from his son’s international career.

“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,” the lawyer said.

“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.”