Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi has confirmed he was given the opportunity to play for England before committing his national team allegiance to Nigeria.
Iwobi came on as a substitute for Nigeria in their draw with Egypt on Friday, ruling out any chance of the 19-year-old playing for the Three Lions.
The forward has represented England at youth level but made the decision to play for the country in which he was born, with the player hailing from Lagos.
Iwobi has admitted through his Twitter account that he had been given the chance to play for the Three Lions, something he decided against.
The youngster wrote: “Would also like thank you (sic) to England for giving me the chance to represent them.”
Iwobi is enjoying a superb run of form this month. The talented youngster only made his first Arsenal start on 16th March, beginning the Champions League contest with Barcelona.
The Arsenal academy graduate made five touches inside the Barcelona 18-yard box, whilst creating two chances for his teammates.
His maiden Premier League start also came in the same week, and Iwobi was able to score in that game as the Gunners defeated Everton 2-0.
The teenager struck one further shot on target against the Toffees and made one opportunity for a teammate.
Iwobi had played for Nigeria in two friendlies prior to the match with Egypt, but playing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has now completely tied the pacey midfielder to the Super Eagles.
Around 40,000 fans packed into the 25,000-seater Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which saw a late Mohamed Salah finish for Egypt cancel out Etebo Oghenekaro’s 60th-minute opener.
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