England are set to be foiled in an attempt to secure Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi’ s international future.
Despite having played for England at junior level the youngster has pledged his international future to Nigeria, his country of birth.
Iwobi, who is Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha’s nephew, has burst onto the scene in recent weeks, scoring his first goal for the Arsenal in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has alerted FA chiefs of Iwobi’s talents and discreet overtures have been made to gauge whether the forward would commit his future to England.
However, Iwobi has joined up with the senior Nigeria squad ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt this week.
And the Super Eagles manager Samson Siasia intends to field Iwobi in the encounter in a move that would cement the youngster’s allegiance to the African nation.
Iwobi has played in two friendlies for Nigeria but could still theoretically revert back to playing for England.
If the 19-year-old plays against Egypt, a competitive fixture, he would no longer be eligible to play for the Three Lions, according to FIFA rules.
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