Alex Iwobi reveals sharp differences between Nigeria and England setups, highlighting organisational challenges in his early Super Eagles experience
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the stark differences between Nigeria’s national team setup and that of England, describing early experiences with the former as chaotic compared with the highly structured environment of the latter.
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Iwobi, born in Lagos but raised in England from the age of four, represented England at youth level up to the under-18 side before committing to Nigeria.
He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in October 2015 and has since become one of the team’s most influential players.
Speaking in an interview with High Performance, shared on social media, the Fulham midfielder highlighted logistical and organisational challenges he encountered with Nigeria early in his international career.
“Playing for England and playing for Nigeria are very different. England is a bit more strict. In St George’s Park or in a hotel, no one is allowed to come in, strict food, strict regime — that is it,” Iwobi said.
“INigeria now, sometimes your flight is not booked properly. You have to book your own flight. You get there, and sometimes the people at the airport are not ready to pick you up, so you have to make your own way.
The hotels are OK. Sometimes the light goes out, sometimes you do not have anywhere to charge your phone. In England, no one is allowed in the hotel. In Nigeria, people can come into your room whenever they want.”
Iwobi explained that family persuasion played a key role in his decision to commit to Nigeria. He initially joined the under-23 side to test the waters.
“My uncle and my dad said, just at least try once with Nigeria. So I tried the under-23s just to see, and then I could compare what I prefer.
The pitch we were training on would have half grass, half AstroTurf, and maybe a bit of sand on the side,” he said.
Despite the early challenges, Iwobi said he has no regrets. “It took a lot of convincing at the time, but I have no regrets.
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I did love England, but because I grew up in a Nigerian household, Nigeria has always been a part of me,” he added.
