Alex Iwobi aiming to match Uncle Okocha's legacy with AFCON triumph

Iwobi picked one of Okocha's qualities when building his perfect midfielder

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Iwobi picked one of Okocha's qualities when building his perfect midfielder

Alex Iwobi aiming to match Uncle Okocha's legacy with AFCON triumph

Kolawole Babatunde 17:27 - 09.01.2024

Alex Iwobi, the dynamic attacking midfielder for Fulham and Nigeria's Super Eagles, has set his sights high for the upcoming 2023 AFCON tournament.

In an engaging interview with BeIN Sports, where he appeared alongside teammate Calvin Bassey, Iwobi didn't shy away from expressing his lofty ambitions. The Super Eagles star hopes to lift the coveted African trophy, not just for national pride but for a more personal triumph – to gain bragging rights over his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, a legend in his own right.

Iwobi, reflecting on his family ties with Okocha, remarked, “I know my uncle has won it, and I’d like to have one to my name as well. Obviously, we have the quality to do so, and hopefully we can do that, and I want to brag to him as well.” This candid confession underlines a friendly family rivalry and a deep respect for his uncle's achievements.

Iwobi's Journey: From Arsenal Academy to Fulham's Key Player

Nigerian and Fulham star Alex Iwobi || Imago

Iwobi's career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. A product of Arsenal's famed academy, he has seamlessly transitioned to life in London under the guidance of Marco Silva at Fulham. This move has been a significant boost to his career, allowing him to express himself more freely on the field, reminiscent of Okocha's playing days.

The 27-year-old midfielder reminisced about the impact his uncle had on his career, saying, “When he was in Bolton, I used to go and watch some of his games and watched him train a couple of times at the training ground. He enjoyed football and always liked showing off to express himself, almost like an entertainer. He tells me to play football with a smile on my face, so that’s what I’m doing, and it has stuck by me.”

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