Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared candid insights into some of the organisational challenges players experience while representing Nigeria, highlighting differences between the national team environment and his earlier experiences with England national football team setups, MySportDab Reports.
The 29-year-old Fulham FC midfielder, who was born in Lagos but moved to England before the age of one, represented England at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2015.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Iwobi revealed that adapting to the Super Eagles environment initially came as a surprise due to what he described as a less structured system compared to England’s highly organised setup.
“In England, things are stricter,” Iwobi explained. “Whenever you’re at St George’s Park or at the hotel, no one is allowed to come in. The schedule is very structured — from food to training to sleep routines.”
However, he suggested the experience with Nigeria has sometimes been very different.
“Sometimes your flight is not booked properly and you have to sort it out yourself,” he said. “When you land, the people who are meant to pick you up might not be ready, so you have to find your own way.”
Iwobi also mentioned logistical issues that occasionally occur during national team camps, including power outages at team hotels which can affect basic preparations for players.
The former Arsenal FC and Everton FC midfielder also recalled his first exposure to Nigerian football through the country’s U-23 team, admitting he needed some convincing from family members before committing.
“My uncle and my dad told me to try Nigeria once,” he said. “The pitches were sometimes half grass, half astro-turf with a bit of sand.”
Despite the challenges, Iwobi stressed he has no regrets about choosing Nigeria.
“I love England, but growing up in a Nigerian household, Nigeria has always been part of me,” he added.
Iwobi has since become one of the most consistent performers for the Super Eagles, representing Nigeria at major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations.
