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Tag: Alex Iwobi

  • Actress writes Iwobi apology letter over racial abuse

    Bollywood actor and Arsenal fan Esha Gupta has written an apology letter to the Nigerian winger Alex Iwobi.

    The Bollywood star came under severe criticism from all quarters after sharing a racist remark directed towards Iwobi on her Instagram account.

    Esha Gupta quickly deleted the post but her followers had been quick to take a screenshot of it.

    She did post a hastily written apology but that too fell on deaf years as Twitter users and Arsenal fans continued to slam her.

    In her letter to Iwobi, a Nigerian international, Esha Gupta wrote: “I am extremely sorry for my ignorant action last Friday. Being an ardent fan of many years, I was deeply engrossed and caught up in the game.”

    She said she “clearly did not realise the racial undertone” from her friend’s message, which she had shared on Instagram last week.

    “For this, I am deeply regretful. I cannot begin to imagine how much I have hurt your sentiments.

    ‘’Racism has absolutely no place in my heart, and I promise you, for whatever its worth, going forward this will never happen again,” she said.

    Read Also: Iwobi rated Arsenal’s Best Player

    Esha Gupta also wished Iwobi forgives her for her “careless action”.

    She even penned a letter to Arsenal FC, wherein she wrote: “I hope the club can accept my humblest apology and give me the opportunity to make amends. I promise to be very responsible from here on.”

    On January 28, social media was abuzz over a snapshot of a Whatsapp conversation that Esha shared on her Instagram stories.

    The conversation criticised Iwobi for his performance after a Premier League match.

    In the conversation, Esha’s friend called Iwobi a “gorilla” and said that “evolution stopped for him”.

    He even said that the footballer did not change from “neanderthal to man”.

    To that, Esha Gupta laughed and replied: “Haha… I don’t know why they don’t bench him more.”

    She quickly deleted the image from her profile when she realised her mistake, but the screenshot had already gone viral.

    This did not go down well with some users, who slammed her for her “ignorance” and called her out for being racist despite having claimed she herself has been a victim in the past.

     

  • Arsenal’s youngsters have added pace to team, says Iwobi

    Alex iwobi believes the introduction of youngsters like Bukayo Saka to the first team has added pace to the team.

    For Iwobi, the youngsters are indeed giving manager Unai Emery a headache.

    “It’s good that we have youngsters like Joe and Eddie who came in and did well. Even Bukayo Saka who came on. We have a lot of pace in the team.

    “It’s one for the manager, there’s going to be a lot of headaches for who he has to play if we keep on fighting for positions and getting three goals, Iwobi told TeamTalk.

    Joe Willock scored twice in Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup victory over Blackpool, while fellow 19-year-old Eddie Nketiah also started and impressed along with 21-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

    The average age of the side was reduced even further when 17-year-old Bukayo Saka replaced Iwobi for the final few minutes.

    It was a potentially tricky encounter for Arsenal against the League One side on a bumpy Bloomfield Road pitch, with Blackpool having given the Gunners a good game in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, but there were few alarms for Emery’s side.

    Iwobi said on arsenal.com: “We knew it was going to be difficult and it’s not like the Emirates where it’s a big pitch. It’s all tight and compact, but we managed and we were able to focus on the game and do well.

    “Blackpool are a good team. They fight well and they win aerial duels and we knew we were going to be up against it but we dug deep to get the result.

  • ‘Iwobi must score goals to fulfill potentials at Arsenal’

    Nigeria and Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi has been described as one of the skilful players in the Premier League but the striker is yet to fulfil his enormous potential due to lack of goals.

    According to British journalist, Tashan Deniran-Alleyne of London Football website, the Arsenal star has his critics, but his numbers are impressive

    “It’s been a strange season for Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi thus far.

    “In the summer he signed a new contract which garnered a mixed reaction from supporters on social media, but he started to convince a few doubters with some impressive performance at the beginning of the campaign.

    “However, his form tailed off as the Gunners’ 22-game unbeaten run across all competitions came to an end against Southampton last month and some fans began to get on his back once again.

    “But signs of Iwobi getting back to his best has been evident in the past fortnight.

    “The Nigeria international netted his first goal since August in the 3-1 win over Burnley before Christmas and was one of few to emerge from the 5-1 thrashing away at Liverpool with any credit.

    “Furthermore, Iwobi recorded an assist in the New Year’s Day victory against Fulham and was generally impressive throughout that game at the Emirates Stadium.

    “So that’s one goal and two assists in his last four appearances for the north London outfit, having gone eight successive games without any goal involvement.

    “This is certainly one of the areas the 22-year-old must improve on if he’s to fulfill his enormous potential. But one area in which he’s not lacking in is skills, more specifically humiliating his opponents.

    “Via StatsBomb – prior to last night’s Premier League games – Iwobi was joint-top with West Ham United’s Felipe Anderson for number of successful nutmegs in the top flight of English football this season.

    “One of the ‘nutmeg kings’ in the Premier League, Gunners fans will be hopeful that Iwobi can maintain his recent impressive form during the second half of the season,” Tashan Deniran-Alleyne wrote.

  • Iwobi Shines in England after Helping Nigeria Secure AFCON Ticket

    Nigerian international Alex Iwobi on Sunday put in another decent showing for Arsenal in what happened to be first match for the English Premier League club since he returned from a national assignment with his Super Eagles teammates.

    The 22-year-old was in action with brilliant game play for 82 minutes in the Arsenal’s 2-1 away win against AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium in England on Sunday.

    After the 90 minute action packed three goals thriller, Arsenal successfully got back to winning ways to continue their 18-game unbeaten run at the Vitality Stadium.

    Bournemouth were looking to close the gap on the Gunners in the league, and started the brighter, but fell behind to an unfortunate own goal.

    Arsenal took the lead in extraordinary fashion, when Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma volleyed emphatically past his own keeper.

    READ ALSO:

    Iwobi rated Arsenal’s Best Player

    The home side were soon level though, when a quick counter attack was finished off superbly by Josh King’s curler into the top corner.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then got the Gunners back in front in the second half, prodding home Sead Kolasinac’s cross from close range.

    Recall that the the Nigerian Arsenal attacking midfielder was in the last two national assignments; one of which saw the Super Eagles qualified for 2019 Africa Cup of Nation despite playing a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana last weekend at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

    Despite that some key players were rested two days after Eagles picked the AFCON ticket Eagles German handler Gernor Rohr still fielded Iwobi in an international friendly match against Uganda at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba; though he was substituted in the second half.

    Rohr has since confirmed that the youngster is pivotal to his campaign at the 2019 AFCON tournament in Cameroon and would only wish Iwobi will remain fit and see more playing time to put him in shape for the forthcoming tourney.

  • Europa League: Iwobi, Moses get Sporting, PAOK Challenge

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi and his Arsenal teammates will open their Europa league campaign against Portugal side Sporting CP following the draw which was dished out on Friday.

    The Nigerian international who has been in great shape for the Emirates landlords will be looking forward to help the side compete for title after missing a place in the Champions league finishing in the 6th place last season with 70 points.

    Compatriot Victor Moses who recently announced a decision to retire from the national team and concentrate on club assignment will be facing Greek side PAOK with his Chelsea teammates.

    The 27 year old who reportedly is being approached by the Super Eagles coaching crew to have  a rethink into what has been dubbed his ‘shocking and early retirement from international football’,was left out in the Blues 2-1 away victory over Newcastle last week prompting some of his mischievous critics to predict that it will be hard for him to get the required playing time under new coach Maurizio Sarri. 

    He was equally an unused substitute earlier when Chelsea hosted Arsenal in a tie that ended 3-2 in favour of Chelsea with Iwobi enjoying 75 minutes action garnished with a 41st minute goal to his credit. In other Europa league fixtures AC Milan face a more difficult campaign against Olympiacos, Real Betis and Dudelange in Group F.

    Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are also facing a difficult group stage, having been pitted against Villarreal, Rapid Vienna and Spartak Moscow in Group G.

    Last season’s semi-finalists Marseille will meet Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt and Apollon in a competitive Group H

    Below is the full picture of the groups.

    Group A: Bayer Leverkusen, Ludogorets, FC Zurich, AEK Larnaca

    Group B: Salzburg, Celtic, RB Leipzig, Rosenborg

    Group C: Zenit St Petersburg, Copenhagen, Bordeaux, Slavia Prague

    Group D: Anderlecht, Fenerbahce, Dinamo Zagreb, Spartak Trnava

    Group E: Arsenal, Sporting CP, Qarabag, Vorskla

    Group F: Olympiacos, AC Milan, Real Betis, Dudelange

    Group G: Villarreal, Rapid Vienna, Spartak Moscow, Rangers

    Group H: Lazio, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt, Apollon Limassol

    Group I: Besiktas, Genk, Malmo, Sarpsborg

    Group J: Sevilla, Krasnodar, Standard Liege, Akhisar

    Group K: Dinamo Kiev, Astana, Rennes, Jablonec

    Group L: Chelsea, PAOK, BATE, Vidi

  • Happy Saturday! Iwobi savours first new season victory

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi enjoyed Arsenal’s first victory in the new season on Saturday.  Iwobi who only recently sealed a new contract extension with the Emirates landlords that will see him remain in the club till 2022, saw 46 minutes action in the tie against hard fighting West Ham before making way for Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette.

    Visiting West Ham had shot into the lead into a surprise lead in the 25th minute thanks to Austra import Marko Arnautrovic.

    Although Iwobi and his teammates made frantic efforts to turn the table immediately, it was not until the 30th minute that the equaliser came with the Nigerian providing the needed assist for Nacho Monreal.

    An own goal by Issa Diop in the 70th minute increased the tally for the Arsenal side that was determined to avoid another defeat and eager to sing victory song.

    A timely blend between Bellerin and Danny Welbeck in the two minutes of added time finally added the icing on the cake for Arsenal who ran away with a 3-1 victory.

    The triumph on Saturday is coming after the side had suffered back to back defeats in the hands of defending champions Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.

    Interestingly Manchester City who had recorded two victories in two matches scoring eight goals in the bargain were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by new comers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

  • Iwobi on target as Arsenal lose 3-2 to Chelsea

    *Oliseh hails performance

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi was on target Saturday even as Arsenal lost 3-2 to Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge.

    The Nigerian international scored a 41st minute goal to increase Gunners goal tally to two.  Teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan had scored in the 37th minute before Iwobi converted an opportunity four minutes later.

    The Gunners had missed two begging chances and even Iwobi would have scored a brace as he joined in missing chances just like two of this teammates including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Iwobi was in action for 75 minutes before being substituted by France international Alexandre Lacazette.

    Chelsea had approached the match with all the seriousness it deserved, shooting into the lead as early as the 9th minute thanks to Pedro. Álvaro Morata increased the tally for the Blues thirteen minutes later while Marcos Alonso made it three in the 81st nminute .

    Despite Gunners loss however, former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh was full of praise for Iwobi.

    Oliseh who laid initial foundation for Nigeria’s qualification for the recently ended 2018 World cup in Russia took to social media to express his delight over Iwobi’s performance especially in the first 45 minutes of the battle of Stamford Bridge Saturday. Iwobi’s exploits according to Oliseh is not only a plus for the Gunners but also a big boast for the Nation

    “Just love everything about Alex Iwobi’s performance this 1st half Chelsea vs Arsenal. Making Nigeria proud!!” he enthused. The victory is two wins from two under new boss Maurizio Sarri. The loss also marks two defeats in two matches for new Arsenal coach Unai Emery who is stepping in after the club operated 22 years under former coach Arsene Wenger.

    Iwobi after the match admitted that the first half was shaky for the Gunners but insisted that the future remains bright for the Emirates landlords.  “We will certainly take the positives and improve on it,” he submitted

    There was however no action for Chelsea star Victor Moses who recently announced he has retired from international football to enable him concentrate on family and club football.

  • Confirmed! IWOBI Stars in Nollywood Movie “INPADISU”

    Super Eagles and Arsenal football player Alex Iwobi has made a debut in Nollywood.

    The official trailer of the Nollywood movie were the 22-year-old featured was released on Thursday.

    Source close to the Nigerian international confirmed that Iwobi was a major character of the yet to be released movie titled; ‘INPADISU’

    It was confirmed that the filming for the movie rounded up weeks ago before Arsenal training tour for the 2018/19 new football season.
    Arsenal and Nigeria striker, was on the cover of the movie trailer holding a sword in a combat attire and putting on a dark shed on his fierce looking bold face.
    Iwobi was a on bench in the Arsenal’s first loss of the season at Emirate against league champion Manchester United.
    He recently signed a new five-year deal that will keep him at Arsenal until 2023.

    “Thankfully, , his fans don’t have to be concerned about his movie debut affecting his performance on the field as filming for the movie rounded up weeks ago and the film is set to hit the theaters soon,” the source disclosed.

  • Moses paved way for players like me – Iwobi

    Alex iwobi has reckoned that the retired Super Eagles player, Victor Moses paved way for the latest England based Nigerian Internationals in Super Eagles.

    The Arsenal starlet hinted that he took his decision to play for Nigeria’s national team to take after Moses who chose Nigeria over England despite being opened to quality opportunities.

    Iwobi made this known has he joined other Super Eagles players to express their view has Moses, 27-year-old, retired from international football on Wednesday.

    Arsenal starlet, Iwobi wrote on his Twitter handle, “Thank You For Paving The Way For Us. You Achieved So Much For Our Country. It Was A Pleasure To Play With You, Wishing You The Best Big Bro @VictorMoses ????”.

    Saudi based Ahmed Musa could not help to relish the opportunity he shared with the Chelsea wing player at the national team.

    He wrote on twitter, “It was a pleasure to play alongside such a great player. You have served your nation well and will always be remembered. Good luck in all you do@VictorMoses”.

    Also, Shehu Abdullahi wrote, “I wish you all the best bro!”.

    Moses, before his retirement is reckoned has one of the the big players with popular figure for the Nigerian fan community. He ended his association with the Super Eagles on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

    The England based player lasted over six years the Super Eagles during which he won the 2013 AFCON title and represent Nigeria at two editions of the World Cup competition. He accrued a respectable haul of 12 goals for the national team before his retirement.

  • Iwobi signs new Arsenal deal, vows to do more

     

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has signed a new “long-term” contract with Arsenal, the Gunners announced Friday

    Head coach Unai Emery hinted last month Iwobi was close to agreeing new terms and the Nigeria international has now put pen to paper.

    Iwobi’s new contract is reported to be a five-year deal that will commit the 22-year-old to the club through to 2023.

    “I’m very pleased Alex has signed a new contract with us,” said Emery.

    “He is a great example of a player who can succeed from the academy through hard work and I look forward to working with him and our other talented young players in the squad.”

    Iwobi who put up a good show at the World Cup in Russia despite the Eagles inability to go beyond the first round, expressed satisfaction with his new deal adding that it is yet an opportunity to do more for a club that has always been after his heart from childhood.

    “It’s always been my childhood dream to represent Arsenal,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website.

    “To get an extended contract is an amazing feeling and I hope I’m doing the Arsenal family proud, as well as my family.

    “The first kit that I had was Arsenal and long may I continue to represent them.

    “I always realise that I have to be representing the team and giving 100 per cent at all times. It’s not just myself or my family I’m representing, I also represent the people and the younger generation as well.”

    Iwobi who had an excellent bond with former Gunners coach Arsene Wenger has already made his way into good books of the new coach Unai Emery, an indication that the Nigerian international will equally have an impressive atmosphere to showcase his talent .