Playing for the Super Eagles is a dream for many footballers. However, Alex Iwobi has revealed that representing Nigeria sometimes comes with unexpected challenges behind the scenes.
The Super Eagles’ expenses issue gained attention after the Fulham midfielder shared his experience of joining the national team for the first time. He said players have occasionally paid for their own travel when called up.
Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast with Adebayo Akinfenwa, Iwobi recalled being close to playing for England before choosing Nigeria. He said his family encouraged him to give his country of birth a chance.
According to him, “I spoke to my dad and my uncle, and they said ‘at least give Nigeria a try, and if I don’t like it, then you can say you’ve given that a go’.”
Iwobi then described some of the conditions he met after arriving in camp. He said, “I went to Nigeria. Obviously, you have to sort out your own flight. We were like three in my room. You get to the hotel, and there’s no electricity. You wash your own kit.”
Despite the challenges, the midfielder said he immediately felt at home. He praised the warm reception from Nigerian fans and said the support convinced him he had made the right decision.
He added, “The pitch is only half grass, half astroturf. If you make one bad pass, the coach is screaming at you. But I loved the food. I just felt like I was at home… The love I was getting was mad.”
The Super Eagles flight expenses discussion comes as players have previously raised concerns about travel arrangements, camp allowances, and training facilities.
Moreover, Iwobi has now earned 100 caps and remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced international footballers.
