“Sometimes You Book Your Own Flight”-Alex Iwobi Opens Up About Early Frustrations With NFF Setup

• Alex Iwobi has revealed that poor organisation by the Nigeria Football Federation initially made him hesitant to represent the Nigeria national football team.
• The midfielder said he sometimes had to book his own flight and arrange transport during early national team duties but added that he has no regrets choosing Nigeria over England.

Alex Iwobi has opened up about the challenges he experienced during his early days with the Nigeria national football team, revealing issues with organisation by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Speaking about his international career decision, the midfielder explained that he initially considered continuing with the England national football team due to the more structured environment within the setup.

“With England, it’s a bit more strict. You’re in St. George’s Park or you’re in a hotel, no one’s allowed to come in, strict food, strict regime that’s it,” he said, referring to the English national team’s training base at St George’s Park National Football Centre.

However, Iwobi said the experience was quite different when he first joined Nigeria at the under-23 level.

“Nigeria now… sometimes your flight’s not booked properly, you have to book your own flight. You get there and sometimes the people at the airport are not ready to pick you up, so you have to make your own way,” he said.

The midfielder also described some of the challenges players occasionally encountered while staying in camp.

“The hotels are okay. Sometimes the light goes, sometimes you don’t have anywhere to charge your phone. England no one’s allowed in the hotel. Nigeria, people can come in your room whenever they want,” he added.

Iwobi revealed that his family played a significant role in convincing him to give Nigeria a chance before making a final decision about his international future.

“My uncle and my dad said, just at least try once with Nigeria. So I tried the under-23s just to see, and then I could compare what I prefer,” he explained.

Despite the early challenges, the midfielder said he ultimately does not regret choosing Nigeria.

“It took a lot of convincing at the time… but I have no regrets. I did love England, but because I grew up in a Nigerian household, Nigeria has always been a part of me,” he stated.