Arsene Wenger says the Football Association did not push enough to secure Arsenal's Alex Iwobi for the England team.  Standard Sports has revealed that Iwobi made his first appearance in Nigeria in March last year, and the FA recently sought to secure Arsenal's international future. The 24-year-old, born in Lagos, but moved to London at the age of four, came to set up the youth of England, playing under 16, U17 and U18 levels, but never to U21. Instead, he decided to represent the Super Eagles when they first called him in early October, a few weeks before the young man carried out his Arsenal debut.


“He had the potential to play for England and for Nigeria,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “Today he looks very happy with Nigeria. When I speak to him, he’s had very positive experiences.
“He brings his quality to Nigeria – he’s absolutely a creative player going forward. He’s very strong in small spaces and he’s starting to score goals as well.
“For a while it was open between England and Nigeria, and England didn’t really push for Alex during that period. Nigeria were more willing to have him. I’ve seen many times that sons of parents from Nigeria want to go back to their parents’ country.”
Iwobi has since made 12 appearances for Nigeria, scoring two goals, including the late winner against Zambia in October that secured his country’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals.
“When I actually scored the moment was crazy, I remember running off celebrating,” Iwobi said. “I almost cried, I actually almost cried to see how the fans were reacting, to see my mum and dad in the stands, it was just an amazing feeling.”
“It’s always an honour to wear the green, white and green, I mean I’ve seen so many kids on the street when we’re in the bus, they’re screaming “go Nigeria, go Nigeria”, so to represent them I’m just proud.”