The Nigeria Football Federation has explained the rationale behind Alex Iwobi’s trip to Libreville, Gabon with the Dream Team VI for the All Africa Games qualifier against Gabon.
The Deputy Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, who made the clarification in Gabon, said the NFF decided to take the Arsenal striker along as part of the new administration’s policy of encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to identify with the national teams and make up their mind to play for the team.
Ikpeme said: “As a responsible body, there was no way we would have used Alex Iwobi to play for us in Gabon knowing the implication of such an act.
“The rules are very clear on players or country seeking to switch allegiance from one country to another.
“So Alex having played for England in the cadet level, there is no way he can play for us in any such level, unless the senior national team.
“This we are trying to do.
“Luckily for us, his parents have been of great help in this regard.
“We all know that the U-23 team is like the feeder team for the new Super Eagles we are trying to build.
“So bringing the young man to be part of this team was done on purpose.
“Now that he has fitted and bonded with the team, our next target is trying to see how we can firm up the paper work with FIFA, then invite him to the Super Eagles in our next international friendly, hopefully against Bolivia.”
Ikpeme also disclosed that more of such players would eventually be invited to be part of the national team set up.
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