Alexander Chuka Iwobi’s career keeps waxing as the Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Arsenal and the Nigeria national team scored the goal that booked Nigeria’s ticket to the Russia 2018 World Cup on Saturday.
Iwobi joined Arsenal while still in primary school and he was first involved in a first-team match as an unused substitute in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion on 25 September 2013. He signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in October 2015. Iwobi went on though to play for Nigeria. He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles on 8 October 2015, replacing Ahmed Musa in the 57th minute of a 2–0 friendly defeat to DR Congo in Visé, Belgium.
Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel has said he would soon retire so he can give up the No. 10 shirt to Alex Iwobi. During the team’s interactive session with the media on Thursday, Iwobi was asked if he desired to wear the shirt number made famous by his uncle, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, during his playing days with the national team.
The 21-year-old replied, saying;
“In regards to the shirt, I’m not really fazed about the shirt. If I get number 10, I get it. All I know is I’m here to represent my country and I’m proud to wear the colours. I’m not really fazed about what shirt (number) I’m wearing and really my uncle (Okocha) does not pressure me. I mean, I focus on myself.”
Mikel Obi picked up the microphone and gave a cheeky remark; “Don’t worry, I will soon retire for you.”
