The English Football Association has suffered a major blow in its plot to persuade Arsenal starlet, Alex Iwobi, to pledge allegiance to the Three Lions.
Despite having played for England at junior level the youngster has pledged his international future to Nigeria, his country of birth.
Iwobi, 19, has seen his status swell over the past couple of weeks after string of fine performances – scoring in his full debut for the Gunners at Everton on Saturday.
According to Daily Mail, Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger, who has been thrilled by Iwobi’s progress, immediately alerted the English FA about the talent of the Nigerian.
And the FA was looking at the possibility of capitalising on the situation by making discreet overtures to gauge whether the forward would commit his future to England.
But the move is coming too late as Iwobi arrived the Super Eagles camp on Sunday ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt this week.
He was the first of the 20 foreign-based players invited to arrive.
The youngster, who is niece to Nigeria legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, is yet to feature in a competitive game for the Super Eagles but has kitted twice in two friendly games.
“It’s a privilege to be invited to this great Nigerian national team and also to represent my fatherland,” Iwobi said before making his debut for Nigeria last year.
“I just look forward to playing. I can’t wait to join the Nigerian team for the two friendly matches in Belgium.”
Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, intends to field Iwobi in the encounter against Egypt in a move that would cement the youngster’s allegiance to his fatherland.
If Iwobi plays against Egypt, a competitive fixture, he would no longer be eligible to play for the Three Lions, according to FIFA rules.
Apart from the Gunners no 45, three other foreign pros are already in camp for the clash.
They include Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, Uniao da Madeira defender, Abdullahi Shehu and Dream Team VI star, Aminu Umar.
The squad will leave for Kaduna on Tuesday after the morning training session at the Abuja National Stadium.
