Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Untapped Resources: Meet Okocha's Nephew who plays For Arsenal

Alex Iwobi

Arsenal’s youngster and Dream Team VI new call up, Alex Iwobi, will get his first cap in Nigeria’s colours in next week’s international friendly match against Tunisia’s Olympic team.



Well what can we tell you about him?

Here are five facts …

1) Iwobi started out more as a winger but has moved into the centre of midfield recently - playing just behind the striker.

2) Iwobi has been with the club for almost ten years. The 17-year-old has been a Gunner since the tender age of eight.

3) The young starlet was born in Lagos, Nigeria but has represented England at youth team level in the past. So far he has played at under-16 and under-17 level.

4) Iwobi comes into the game in good form - despite not featuring with the Under-21’s until this season. He scored in the recent UEFA Youth League triumph against Marseille - in which Serge Gnabry bagged a brace.

5) Iwobi has enjoyed an eventful season, playing regularly for the Arsenal U-21 team, captained the UEFA Youth League team and making it to the substitute bench for the main team.

6) Iwobi has an uncle who is ‘so good they named him twice’. That’s right, Nigeria and Bolton legend Jay Jay Okocha can call Iwobi his nephew. Iwobi, who is of Nigerian descent, has stated in the past that he has always been able to turn to his uncle for advice, and a kickabout:

‘’When he was playing for Bolton I used to play with him in his back garden. I also used to go and watch him when he was at Bolton and a little bit when he was at Hull.’’ Iwobi said.


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