Arsenal youngster, Alex Iwobi, is dreaming of a place in the Nigeria squad to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after the Super Eagles failed to reach the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Iwobi, 19, has seen his value catapult following fine string of performances for the Gunners – scoring twice in his last two games against Watford and Everton respectively.
Described as “special” by Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, Iwobi’s exploits recently earned him an improved deal that will keep him at the Emirates till the summer of 2021.
The former England youth international shrugged off late interest to play for the Three Lions – opting to feature for Samson Siasia side instead in the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt.
And Iwobi is looking even forward to representing the Dream Team VI at the biggest sports fiesta in the world – following the footsteps of uncle and former Eagles skipper, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.
“I am looking forward to the forthcoming Olympics and if I am invited, I will do my best to make a meaningful contribution,” Iwobi told Goal.
“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.
Iwobi revealed that he has no regrets whatsoever choosing Nigeria over England and is open to future invitations to play for the three-time African champions.
“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.”
Siasia’s lads alongside South Africa and Algeria will fly Africa’s flag in the male football event at the Rio Olympics.
Nigeria will head to the Olympic Games in August before playing their first 2018 World Cup qualifying game in October.
