Alex Iwobi Speaks on Challenges With NFF Organisation

Alex Iwobi has spoken about some of the challenges players face when representing the Nigeria Football Federation, saying certain habits have slowed progress in the national team set-up.

The Super Eagles and Fulham F.C. midfielder shared his experience during a recent podcast, where he compared the organisation around the Nigerian team with what he experienced while playing for England at youth level.

The 29-year-old, who was born in Lagos but moved to England as a child, said the structure and discipline in England were very different from what he found after switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.

“Playing for England and playing for Nigeria are two very different things. In England, things are stricter. Whenever you’re at St George’s, or you’re at the hotel, no one’s allowed to come in,” Iwobi said.

“The schedule was strict, alongside the food and the sleep regime. In Nigeria now, I have to watch what I say.”

Iwobi explained that players sometimes face organisational problems during national team assignments.

“Sometimes, your flight is not booked properly, you have to do that yourself, and when you land, the people at the airport are not ready to pick you up.

“So, you have to sometimes make your own way. The hotels are okay, but sometimes the light goes out, and you don’t have anywhere to charge your phone.”

Despite the difficulties, the former Arsenal F.C. and Everton F.C. midfielder said he has no regrets about choosing to represent Nigeria.

“My uncle and my dad said to me to try Nigeria once. It took a lot of convincing at the time for me to try the U-23 side.

“The pitches were played on had half grass, half astro-turfs and a bit of sand. The coaches were strict in the sense that if you miss a pass, you’re not just called out for your mistakes; you have to do a lap around the pitch.

“I have no regrets. I do love England, but I think because I grew up in a Nigerian household, it’s always been a part of me,” he concluded.