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Tag: Alex Iwobi

  • 7 Reasons Why Alex Iwobi is the Next Big Thing in African Football

    In what promises to be an exciting mix of talent and content, MultiChoice Nigeria recently announced the Super Eagles and Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi, as the latest face of its DStv Compact package. The deal will see the Nigerian superstar feature in DStv’s upcoming campaign for the new football season as well as make special appearances at the brand’s events, amongst other activities.

    We all know Nigerians love their football and Alex Iwobi’s “signing” with MultiChoice is exciting because he is not only a great footballing talent but the next big thing in African football. And here’s why we think so;

    1.   He plays for Arsenal FC – Following in the footsteps of Super Eagles legend, Nwankwo Kanu, Iwobi is not only playing at the highest level of league football, but he is also doing so at Arsenal, one of the biggest and most historic football clubs in England
    2.   He has football in his blood – He is the nephew of another Super Eagles legend, Jay-Jay Okocha. While this does not give him a God-given right to be good at football, his playing style and abilities on the pitch, as well as his drive to succeed have certainly been influenced by his uncle.
    3.   He has been coached by Arsène Wenger– While his latter years at Arsenal were subject to controversy, one cannot deny that the ex-Arsenal manager is not only one of the most influential managers of his time, but also one of the most respected names amongst his former players. Having managed and developed the careers of the likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Patrick Viera, Wenger is undoubtedly one of the greatest minds in world football and Iwobi has had the privilege of learning from him
    4. Alex Iwobi’s Dad, Chuka Iwobi; Arsenal and Super Eagles star footballer, Alex Iwobi; Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe and ChineduFred Obasi, Commercial Agent for Alex Iwobi during the signing ceremony of Alex Iwobi as the new face of DStv Compact, held at MultiChoice head office, Victoria Island, Lagos

      He is still young – At age 22, Iwobi still has many footballing years ahead of him. Considering he has acquired valuable Premier League experience from the age of 20, he is well placed to learn from his previous league campaigns and come back stronger for this season.

    5.   There is more to come from him in his favourite position – Whilst he has made many appearances for his club Arsenal, many fans can tell that he’s good enough to play for Arsenal on both the left and the right wings, it is clear that his best position is actually in the central midfield or attacking midfield positions. Having admitted that he prefers these positions, as well as looking at the influence of his uncle Jay-Jay, one of the Premier league’s most iconic attacking midfielders, it seems that game time in that position under new manager, Unai Emery, could result in Iwobi producing the best football of his career.
    6.   He has played at the highest level – Iwobi has the experience that many players in football do not. In his three years of senior-team football, he has featured in the highly competitive English Premier League, the prestigious UEFA Champions League and more recently, the global stage of the World Cup with his country of birth, Nigeria. In this time, he was also part of an FA Cup winning Arsenal side in the 2016/17 season. With this, he is well-placed to push on and use his good and bad experiences to drive his team and his career.
    7.   He chose Nigeria over England – Representing your national team is a privilege that most footballers do not get. However, when presented with the opportunity to play for the English national team, Iwobi rejected it- in favour of the Super Eagles. Not only was this decision patriotic, but it was also a bold one, in which he gave up the chance to play for a historically more successful national team. This could be a sign of his desire and determination to be a star player; a mentality that is common to players who become stars.

    So there you have it! and the new football season kicks-off on Saturday, August 11 with the Premier League followed by La Liga on Saturday, 18 August and Serie A on Sunday, 19 August.

  • Iwobi retains jersey 17 for Arsenal new season

     

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi is to retain his number 17 jersey for the Gunners when the 2018-2019 Premier league season kicks off.

    Arsenal youth expert Jeorge Bird who gave the hint, further revealed that compatriot Chuba Akpom will wear the number 32 kit in the new season if he is not loaned out or moves to a new team before the close of the summer transfer window.

    Another Hale End Academy product, Tolaji Bola, will suit up with the number 38 jersey in the new season if he makes his first-team debut. Joseph Olowu, Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun and Bukayo Saka will wear numbers 50, 66, 67 and 87 respectively if they make their professional debuts in the new season.

    Iwobi wore the number 60 jersey when he made Arsenal’s 18-man squad for the first time in his career back in the 2013-14 season in a League Cup clash against West Brom but made his professional debut two years later with the number 45 kit.

    The Nigerian international who was part of the Super Eagles squad that went, saw, and failed to fly in Russia remains a formidable force giving a good account of himself last season for the Emirates landlords and posting impressive run in the matches he played for the Super Eagles leading to the world cup as well as the two matches he played against Croatia and Iceland respectively.

    He became the talking point after the Super Eagles crashed out after losing 2-1 to Argentina in last group match in Saint Petersburg with some blaming Coach Gernot Rohr for introducing him  too late into the game.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Iwobi happy with parting victory for Wenger

     

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has expressed satisfaction with the quality of send off handed legendary former coach of Arsenal Arsene Wenger on Sunday.

    The Nigeria international who has never hidden his love for the Frenchman and  the opportunity he provides for young players to showcase their skills, noted that the tie against Burnley which ended 5-0 in favour of the Gunners more than just a match and indeed lived up to expectation.

    “This Was More Than A Match! Really Pleased We Gave You The Send Off You Deserve. Thank You Boss ❤️#MerciArsene,” he enthused. Interestingly a delighted Iwobi did not just make the number but scored the fourth goal in the 5-0 demolition of 7th placed Burnley.

    Iwobi who was spectacular in the Super Eagles exploits en-route to the world cup in Russia had earlier eulogized the qualities of the Frenchman admitting that their relationship helped him a great deal in becoming the quality player he has become.  Recall that when the new broke that Wenger was leaving the Emirates after 22 years sojourn, tributes came from far and wide and Iwobi was not caught napping as he had this to say about the former Monaco sweat merchant.

    “For Everything You’ve Done for Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much!”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • I am prepared for Russia – Iwobi

    Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi has declared that he is fully prepared for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He strongly believes that he will do well in the mundial.

    Iwobi, whose goal sealed Nigeria’s place in the World Cup, in the 1-0 victory over Zambia on 7th October 2017, told FIFA.Com that he knows what to expect in his first appearance at the biggest football tournament on earth, going by the regular trainings he has received with world-class players.

    “The fact that I have been training with world-class players every day has given me a bit of experience, so I know what to expect in Russia,” Iwobi said. “The intensity I train at with Arsenal is very high, so I’m preparing in a good way.

    Read Also: How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    “It was always my dream as a kid, so I can’t wait to be involved. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and wearing the colours of Nigeria. I feel like I can do well.”

    Speaking on his reactions to the goal that qualified the Super Eagles to the World Cup, Iwobi said he would never have guessed doing something like that early in his career.

    “It is difficult to describe, as the feeling was crazy. I remember looking at the crowd and seeing my parents jumping. I almost cried, it was emotional. I would never have guessed that I would do something like that so early in my career. I had dreams about it, but the fact that my dreams came true – I can’t put into words how I felt.

    “After the game I went to the hotel and my mum and dad were both there. Just seeing them, I almost burst into tears again.”

    Nigeria begins their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on 16th June, then they book a date against Iceland on 22nd June, four days before their final group match against familiar foes, Argentina whom the Eagles have lost to by a one-goal margin in four previous meetings at the World Cup.

  • Alex Iwobi set to travel with squad to Spain

    Super Eagles’ attacker, Alex Iwobi has been certified fit and ready to travel with the team to face Atletico Madrid in a Europa League semi-final second leg tie, AOIFootball.com can authoritatively confirm.

    Reports had made the rounds that the player picked up a knock in the Gunners’ 1-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday, despite being on the pitch for the entire match duration.

    AOIFootball.com, however, gathered that the Gunners’ attacker has been cleared fit and will resume training on Tuesday ahead of the crunch tie in Spain on Thursday.

    A reliable source told AOIFootball.com that the player was assessed by the club medical staff on Monday and was certified fit for the clash, calming all nerves that the attacker was initially out of the tie.

    Iwobi has scored twice for the Gunners in the Premier League, while contributing five assists, and will be gunning for his first goal in the Europa League on Thursday.

  • Appreciative Iwobi sings Wenger’s praise

     

    Super Eagles and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi has added to his voice to the out pouring affection that has hit the globe with a bang following Alex Wenger’ notice that he will step down at the end of the season.

    The Nigerian international who has left no one in doubt that he is enjoying his job at the Emirates Stadium under Wenger, joined the bandwagon he hailing the Frenchman for all he has done in his life and his career.

    Iwobi did not only dish the expected thank you but took time to itemise all that he has enjoyed under Wenger.

    “For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much!” he enthused in his tweet Friday.

    Iwobi who is one of the players Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expecting to shine in Russia has been a regular for

    Gunners and has no doubt impressed out going Wenger who never hesitates to hand him playing time.  Iwobi was impressive in Super Eagles quest for World cup ticket even as some soccer pundits have predicted that he will rank among young players that will shine like a million stars in Russia.

    Iwobi joined Arsenal while still at primary school and was first involved in a first-team match as an unused substitute in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion on 25 September 2013. He signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in October 2015.

    On 27 October 2015, Iwobi made his first-team debut for the club, starting in a 3–0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the League Cup.

    He made his Premier League debut four days later in a 3–0 win against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, as a stoppage time substitute for Mesut Özil.

  • Iwobi lectures Auba,Mkhitaryan on Arsenal sojourn

    Iwobi lectures Auba,Mkhitaryan on Arsenal sojourn

     

    Experience cannot be bought in the market and only those who have it can share it.

    That is the best way to capture assignment given to Super Eagles and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi to share his thoughts on what it means to be an Arsenal player with new teammates Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan

    Mkhitaryan swapped Manchester United for Arsenal in a sensational swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez while his former

    Borussia Dortmund team-mate Aubameyang quickly followed him through the Emirates Stadium door.

    It usually takes a while for new players to bed into their new environment but Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi have made sure they settle into life in north London.

    Bellerin and Iwobi ask the new boys what the fans have been singing about them and they respond by flexing their vocalchords.

    The quartet then jokingly discuss who has the worst dress sense with right back Bellerin teased for his flamboyant style while Aubameyang also explains why he wore a white fur coat to a Dortmund game back in February 2016.

    Their discussion then turns to the players’ WhatsApp group where midfielder Mohamed Elneny is shamed for constantly sending messages.

    Iwobi then names Danny Welbeck as the biggest joker when it comes to sending banter in the messaging group.

    They then explain who the club’s biggest rivals are with the duo highlighting games against their London rivals as the ones to look out for – with Tottenham given special attention.

    The video ends with Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang learning London slang with ‘peak’ (bad), ‘peng’ (nice) and ‘madting’ (crazy)all explained to the January additions.

    Arsenal who have had a rough ride in recent times losing back to back to Manchester United, will be hoping wake on the right side bed on Thursday when the Gunners face AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Italy.

    Arsene Wenger’s side then hosts the Italian giants at the Emirates next week.

    Aubameyang is ineligible to play in the Europa League but Mkhitaryan is available for selection.

  • Party Claims: Wenger opens Iwobi investigation

    Party Claims: Wenger opens Iwobi investigation

     

    Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi is being investigated by Arsenal after claims that he went partying just before the Emirate landlords were sent packing from the FA cup.

    Iwobi could face huge fine if the allegation proves to be true .Newspaper reports claims Iwobi was out partying less than 48 hours before the holders crashed out of the FA Cup with a shock 4-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

    The Sun obtained footage that appeared to show Iwobi at a house party in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    The 21-year-old Nigeria international completed 90 minutes at the City Ground on Sunday, where goals from Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck were not enough to prevent a humiliating reverse against Championship opposition.

    Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final with Chelsea, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed he would discuss the matter with Iwobi and take action if the allegations were accurate.

    “if it’s true he will be fined,” said Wenger, who told reporters he was very disappointed with some individual performances at Forest.

    “It is impossible to go out 48 hours before a game. It is unacceptable.

    “I will have to see him to see whether that is right or not.

    “If he was at a birthday party, how long has he stayed? That is very important. After that I will decide what happens.

    “You must have played football, you want to prepare 100 per cent but sometimes it is not a guarantee that you will be at your best. But that is what is requested from a top professional.”

    The Sun report alleged there was evidence of illegal drug use at the party Iwobi supposedly attended.

    The newspaper added there was no suggestion the midfielder took drugs and Wenger was sure to defend his player against any implication to the contrary.

    “You have to be cautious with the news coming out – when you read what has been reported it is like he has taken drugs but he’s not involved in that,” he added.

    “If your neighbour takes drugs, what can you do about it? You are responsible for your behaviour.”

  • Iwobi turns tormentor in chief in Arsenal defeat

    Iwobi turns tormentor in chief in Arsenal defeat

     

    Super Eagles and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi was in his superlative form Saturday at the Emirates as he turned into a tormentor in chief against visiting Manchester United.

    Although the visitors were to business minded for the Gunners to handle especially in the first half where they grabbed two goals in a quickie thanks to Valencia and Lingard, a workaholic Iwobi piled up pressure especially in the second half giving united goalkeeper David de Gea a lot to worry about.

    Iwobi had come in as 15th minute substitute for Shkodran Mustafi.

    It was Alexander Lacazette who scored a 49th minute goal to reduce the tally against Arsenal which the Gunners fought hard with intent to consolidate but the effort was again perforated by Lingard who grabbed the third goal via a counter attack and Paul Pogba’s deadly pass converted by Paul Lingard.

    It was however not all smiles for Manchester United as star player Paul Pogba got the marching orders after rough tackle on Spain international Bellerin in the 74th minute with United still leading 1-3.

    One of the highlights of the match was lamentation by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho following yellow card handed Laurent Koscielny instead of a red in the 87th minute. Iwobi’s regular effort in combination with Sanchez with intent to remedy the situation even with five minutes extra time given failed to prevent the visitors from running away with their well-deserved three points. The visitors showed their superiority with incredible 34 shots on goal.
    Manchester United have thus closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to five points courtesy of a 3-1 win over Arsenal in a frantic and thrilling contest
    Jose Mourinho has often been criticised for his negative tactics away to top-six rivals, but his side capitalised on defensive errors to race into a 2-0 lead after just 11 minutes in North London.
    Arsenal had a proud 12-match winning streak to protect in front of their own fans and fought back, but despite creating a plethora of first-half chances they were forced to wait until the opening stages of the second half to pull a goal back through Alexandre Lacazette.

  • Nigeria to take exciting crop of young talents to Russia

    Nigeria to take exciting crop of young talents to Russia

    Nigeria are the only one of Africa’s five representatives from the last World Cup, who return for the 2018 edition in Russia and will be looking to better their place in the last 16 in Brazil.

    A crop of exciting youngsters headline a team representing Africa’s most populous nation and who will play at the World Cup for the fifth time, having mostly underachieved in the past.

    Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru and Moses Simon represent a new generation that has emerged since the 2014 finals.

    Nigeria surprisingly qualified easily from a tough group that included Algeria, who also reached the second round of the last World Cup, and African champions Cameroon.

    Nigeria were the first African country to book a berth in Russia and finished unbeaten in Africa’s Group B, winning all their home games with two draws and a victory away under German coach Gernot Rohr.

    The German was a surprise appointment just weeks before the start of the group phase of the preliminaries.

    The 64-year-old Rohr is a former Girondins Bordeaux midfielder who returned to coach the French club to the 1996 UEFA Cup final, and in more recent years was national coach of Burkina Faso, Gabon and Niger.

    He will have high hopes that Nigeria can make an impact at the finals, particularly after they beat Argentina 4-2 in a friendly in Russia earlier this month.

    Africa’s best return at the World Cup was a quarter-final place for Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010).

    But there will be concern about Nigeria’s dependency on Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, with the level of performances over the last year falling dramatically when they were absent.

    Obi Mikel now plays his club football in China while his old Chelsea team mate Moses is the biggest name in Nigeria’s team.

    NAN