ALEX Iwobi is only 20 and the world is already looking up for him. A starting shirt with English top side, Arsenal, to join the ‘big-boys’ league, Champions League, debut, a regular shirt in the ever competitive Nigerian senior side, Super Eagles, and scoring his first goal for fatherland, all within one year of breaking into the big league!
A cousin to mercurial midfielder and ex-Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Iwobi, 20, says his uncle deserves commendation for bringing out the best in him.
“He was always talking with me, and my dad told me that I should listen to him. He is my uncle, but more than that; he is my mentor and guiding angel. My other guiding angels are my dad, mum and sister.”
He noted that Okocha would counsel him to keep his head down and be focused on his game. “I’ve always followed his game at the club and national levels and looking forward to achieving like he had done. My father would take me to his games and, after, he would take me to him and he would spend considerable time talking to me and advising me.”
Okocha’s mentoring helped him gain a lot of confidence and one match he said he will never forget is his Premier League debut against Swansea in October 2015.
Hear him: “That is one match I cannot forget because it gave me the confidence to join the big league. I looked up to a few guys and I wanted to do it like them but the fact I did it a different way, I’m proud of that. Every time I played for the U18s or the U21s, I just tried to perform to the best of my abilities and do the best I could. Whether I got the chance to play with the first team or train with the first team, I always tried to do my best. I’ve been saying it, where I am today being just crazy, but I give thanks to (Arsene) Wenger and many who have given me the confidence to play alongside them,”Iwobi says.
Aside from Okocha, the former England U-18 and U-21 forward is also fond of one man: Arsene Wenger. He has kind words for the Frenchman, who he likened to ‘a father.’
“Wenger is like a father. He is gentle with newcomers like us and he would always spare some moments to have a one-on-one with us. I want to keep being consistent. I’m trying to prove to the world and to myself that I can maintain that level of performance.”
Away from the Emirates, Iwobi got a pat from the back from an unlikely source – Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson, in a widely circulated report, admitted he’s been ‘impressed’ with the Nigeria’s Arsenal winger who only emerged from the Gunners’ academy last season and became a first-team regular towards the end of the last campaign.
The 20-year-old forward is yet to score this term but he’s helped transform the Gunners’ play this season with Arsene Wenger’s side playing a more typical free-flowing brand of football than supporters have seen in the last few years.
And Ferguson admits he’s been impressed with the youngster, who he believes has helped to make Wenger’s side title rivals this term.
‘You shouldn’t forget Arsenal [in the title race],’ Ferguson told Kicker. ‘The team is more sturdy. They’ve got better and more aggressive. I’m impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi.’
Iwobi here speaks further on the new Premiership season, his goals, inspiration and Super Eagles. Taiwo Alimi captures his words.
Secret of success
I listen to lots of inspiring tapes and listen to what my father and mentors have to say. My mum, my dad and my sister are also there for me. They usually come to my games and that gives me lots of confidence. That is something Arsenal also promotes. They say it is confidence-booster and I agree with them. At least, it works for me. I keep my head down and focused. I train hard because training with the senior team is actually tough. During the break, I travelled and ate lots of carbs. So much rice and pasta. And I knew I must shed them off. I also go to bed much earlier. Sleep is very important; you need rest when you train hard.”
Comparison with Okocha
Jay Jay is a legend. I am no close to him yet. But, I also like to get forward as much as I can and create chances. Arsene Wenger has given me confidence to keep playing the way I want to and to push forward. So, I intend to keep doing that. I’m flattered that people compare me with Jay Jay.
Nigerians in Premiership
Ahmed Musa is a good player. I have played with him and one thing I can tell you for sure is that this guy is fast. I think he can do well in England because he is exactly what you want in a winger; he will go past people and can cross the ball well.
Mikel is great too and he has made me feel at home playing for Nigeria. He is like a brother figure there and highly committed. He’s always talking with the new boys and that is great. Kelechi (Iheanacho) is great player too and the way he has settled down into a big team like Man City is awesome. We talk sometimes, especially in the Nigerian camp and compare notes. Nigeria has very good players.
Unforgettable games
The FA Cup game against Sunderland at Emirates in January was cool. We played at home and we won and so people took notice from then, really. I also think my performance
against Barcelona was great. For me, it was a confidence-booster. The manager has shown a lot of faith in me to pick me for a game like that, but I also proved something to myself that day when I realised I can perform at that level. I was buzzing after the game. I train with some of the best players in the world at Arsenal, but to play against Barcelona could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the fact I thought I did all right made it even better. My only regret is that I didn’t get a shirt from a Barcelona player afterwards – I wasn’t sharp enough on the final whistle. Schoolboy error. But don’t worry I’ve got plenty of pictures – they are all saved on my phone.
Then, against Everton, my first start I scored my first Premiership goal and that was special too. I’ve always dreamt about scoring just one goal for Arsenal, and for it to come on my first start was just crazy. I couldn’t believe it.
Assessment of current season
I need to get more goals and assists. I’ve not done badly but I must continue to strive to get better. That is important. I don’t want to be complacent. I know a lot of hard work is going to be required this season and I’m ready to put that in. I’ve been putting my head down, getting on with it and putting in the work. My target is to play as many games as I can, get more assists and score more goals. That is all I think about.
First goal for Nigeria
The goal against Zambia was a special one and my first for Nigeria. I actually scored in the friendly in Abuja and that gave the confidence that I can score again in a real match. We are like brothers in the team and that counts for something. I love the feeling and the songs, though I’m still learning many of them.
We have to remain focused on the next games and win as many as we can. We cannot afford to be complacent.
