Alex Iwobi has said he has no regrets about choosing to represent Nigeria despite featuring for England at youth level, as he prepares to reach a major milestone with the Super Eagles.
The Fulham midfielder is expected to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria when the three-time African champions face Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday.
The landmark would make Iwobi only the fourth Nigerian player to earn 100 caps, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in an exclusive club.
More significantly, the midfielder is set to become the fastest player in the country’s history to reach the century mark.
Record within reach
Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 8, 2015, and has remained a regular fixture in the national team ever since.
If he features against Portugal, he will reach 100 appearances in 10 years and 245 days, eclipsing the record set by former captain Ahmed Musa.
Musa reached the milestone in October 2021, 11 years and 35 days after making his debut for the Super Eagles.
The achievement would further underline Iwobi’s importance to Nigeria over the past decade, having represented the country at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Proud of international decision
Ahead of the milestone, Iwobi reflected on his decision to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria, insisting he has never doubted the choice.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” he told the Nigeria Football Federation’s official website.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home.”
The midfielder also credited his father for supporting his decision without influencing it.
“My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football, and make the decision that I felt was good for me.”
Looking back on his international career, Iwobi identified his goal against Zambia in 2017, which secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, as his most memorable moment in a Super Eagles shirt.