Alex Iwobi’s biggest supporter on and off the field is his father Chuka. A lawyer based in the UK, Iwobi senior abandoned his budding football career to pursue law in order to assure a better future for his family.
His son has picked up where he left off, however, and is putting the family name on TV screens across the world with his impressive performances for Arsenal.
Iwobi the younger finally committed his international future to the Super Eagles when they took on Egypt recently, and Goal had the chance to discuss his rapid rise for club and country with Chuka.
GOAL: You finally saw Alex make his competitive debut for Nigeria having jettisoned your own football career as a youth - how does that make you feel?
CHUKA IWOBI: "Alex came on in the 81st minute and it was more like a dream come true, and that answers the question on whether Alex is going to play for England or Nigeria. That put a stop to the question and the rest is for him to work hard and become a regular for the Nigerian side and take it game by game."
Many parents would feel playing for England is more prestigious. Was it a tough decision to make?
"My philosophy in life is to always follow your heart. For Alex, I did play a role in persuading him to come, but ultimately it was his decision to come and play for Nigeria. It’s been a long journey, not an easy journey, and we want to send a message to footballers of Nigerian origin who are abroad.
"There is a lot of misconception that things are not properly organised in Nigeria. All I can say to [those people] is come, have a look as I have done, and they will see a totally different setup from what they have heard. It is a joy to play for Nigeria, things are properly done in Nigeria, Nigeria is a big footballing nation and I would like to encourage everyone out there who is having any doubt to come and see and taste for themselves.
"I’m talking from personal experience; it’s a wonderful opportunity for anybody to come back and play for their country. Alex was born in Nigeria on May 3, 1996, and he went abroad when he was four months old. For me and for Alex it’s like coming home and home is where the heart is. It is a privilege to play for Nigeria and I am honoured and overjoyed."
Are you happy with his progress under the wing of Arsene Wenger?
"Without a doubt, Wenger is a coach who encourages young stars. He has a pedigree of bringing through youngsters from a very early age and there have been a lot of African footballers who have played under Wenger and done very well. People like Emmanuel Eboue, Lauren, Alex Song, and Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.
"These are players who have come to Arsenal at a very young age when they were starting their careers - and look where he has taken them. Wenger has a system of moulding young stars – you have to be patient, you have to keep the faith and you have to trust in him.
"At the beginning of the season when Wenger said Alex was not going out on loan, we had no reservations because we believe in his philosophy. Alex has really improved this season, it is more like a breakthrough season for him. He has really progressed from the reserves to the first team and it is through hard work and, above all, humility, respect for senior players, understanding and a desire to learn. And pride always goes before a downfall because when a player starts thinking that he’s better than he actually is, then he is destined for failure.
"I can say, and with a lot of joy, that my son is a very humble person and he is always well loved by his team-mates and coaches. He listens and he respects and he is a team player. He relishes the joy of winning as a team rather than any personal achievements. The priority for him is the team and if he is able to make a contribution, that is a bonus."
How much effort did you put into his career as a young boy? Has travelling overseas to see him play affected your career?
"I have a personal relationship with Alex. To me, he’s a son, to him, I’m his dad, but the relationship is more like best friends because he is an adult and able to make decisions.
"I’m a lawyer and I work in the UK - fortunately I work for myself, I’m self-employed, so I’m able to organize my diary. When we knew he was coming to Nigeria, I was able to put in a lot of work and I was also able to delegate some of my files to colleagues. So that then has helped me to create some time.
"When I go back, there would definitely still be a lot of work to do. When Alex has training and I’m there or he has a game and I’m there, it gives him a certain kind of confidence because he knows somewhere in the crowd is his dad and that gives him the courage to perform. And when he scores, or if he scores, if I’m there you will see him pointing in my direction which is like, 'Daddy, thank you for all the support'.
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