Iwobi has ‘no regrets’ in choosing Nigeria over England
Alex Iwobi insists he has “no regrets” regarding his decision to represent Nigeria over England at international level.
The 30-year-old is set to earn his 100th cap for Nigeria on Wednesday when they take on Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria.
Iwobi will become the fourth Nigerian player to reach a century of appearances for the country, after Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa.
The Fulham playmaker played for both Nigeria and England at youth level, but opted to represent the Super Eagles, who missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Iwobi helped Nigeria finish third at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in 2026, losing to Morocco in the semi-finals before defeating Egypt in the third-place play-off.
He was also part of the Nigeria squad which lost in the 2023 AFCON final, while he represented them at the 2018 World Cup.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said in remarks shared by the Nigeria Football Federation. “I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.
“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days’ time, but no regrets.”
From debut to 100 caps, Alex Iwobi looks back on his journey with the Super Eagles.#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/5nKQ9g1J6F
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 8, 2026
Iwobi also revealed the advice he received from his uncle, Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha, when deciding his allegiance.
“He always said go and do what’s right, go and enjoy your football,” Iwobi added.
“Of course, he’s a Nigeria legend, and the advice I got from my parents and from him was that before you take a decision on where you want to play, give Nigeria a trial and see how you feel.
“So I actually went to the under-23s and experienced it for myself, and I felt a lot like I’m at home.
“No disrespect to England because I had a good time there, but Nigeria is where my heart is.
“So yeah, he did influence me a bit, but at the at the end of the day, it was ultimately my decision.”
