Arsenal’s highly rated forward Alex Iwobi has revealed his plans to represent the Nigeria national team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite playing for England youth sides, the youngster decided to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles, and has so far made two appearances in international friendlies.
Iwobi was in the Nigeria squad for the AFCON qualifying double-header against Egypt, but could not help the national team secure their place at the tournament finals.
Nevertheless, with the Super Eagles set to take part at the Men’s Football Tournament at the Summer Olympics, the 19-year-old hopes he will get the chance to play in Brazil.
“I am looking forward to the forthcoming Olympics and if I am invited, I will do my best to make a meaningful contribution,” Iwobi was quoted as saying.
“I believe that Nigeria has a crop of excellent players who are capable of doing great things at the Olympics. Coach Samson Siasia deserves a lot of praise for securing a place for the nation at the Olympics.
“I do not have any regrets whatsoever in opting to play for Nigeria and will always do my best whenever I put on the green white green colours of Nigeria. I hope to be involved in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers too.
“I am very grateful to my team mates, the Nigeria Football Federation, coaches, the press and fans for the warm welcome I received following my decision to come home.
“Nigeria is a great footballing nation and deserves to assume her rightful place in Africa and world football and I am keen to be part of a team that achieves this goal.”
Iwobi is slowly emerging as a very important player for Arsenal and he was praised by manager Arsene Wenger after scoring two goals in last three starts for the Gunners.