Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Austin Okocha has revealed that he played a key role in the decision of Alex Iwobi to represent Nigeria ahead of England at senior level.
The Arsenal winger, who was born in Lagos, was a former England youth international up to U18 level before his father Chuka Iwobi, Austin Okocha and coach Samson Siasia convinced him to play for Nigeria.
Iwobi attended a Nigeria U23 get-together in Abuja prior to earning his first cap for the Super Eagles.
''There are some things you cannot change, I never thought that it would happen but I am so glad that the young man is doing so well and also that he is not regretting the fact that I convinced him to play for Nigeria, so it has worked out well in both ways so I am delighted,'' Austin Okocha told Goal Nigeria.
Alex Iwobi scored the match-winner for the Super Eagles against Zambia on October 7, which guaranteed the national team a spot in next summer's football festival in Russia.
His uncle, Austin Okocha, appeared in multiple World Cups defending the colours of Nigeria, in 1994, 1998 and 2002.