Iwobi: Why I almost cried after scoring for Nigeria

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Nov 10, 2017. 15:30

Nigerian international Alex Iwobi has disclosed that he almost cried after scoring for the Super Eagles against Zambia last month.

The Arsenal FC midfielder's solitary goal helped Nigeria beat Zambia 1-0 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) Group B match in Uyo.

As a result, the Super Eagles booked their place in next year's World Cup which will be hosted by Russia.

“When I actually scored the moment was crazy, I remember running off celebrating,” Iwobi told Arsenal website.

"I almost cried, I actually almost cried to see how the fans were reacting, to see my mum and dad in the stands; it was just an amazing feeling.

"To go to the World Cup you can see it’s not just the players’ dream, it’s the fans’ dream as well and for me to get the goal for us to go through I’m just proud to do that.

Iwobi went on to discuss what it means for him to play for Nigeria after being in the England youth setup for most of his life.

“Yeah it’s basically my family, where they’re from, where I’m from it’s my homeland, so it’s always an honor to wear the green, white and green,” the 21-year-old attacker added.

“I mean I’ve seen so many kids on the street when we’re like in the bus, they’re screaming “go Nigeria, go Nigeria”, so to represent them I’m just proud."

Iwobi is part of the Nigeria squad that will face Algeria away in the final Group B match on Friday. Nigeria will also take on Argentina in a friendly game in Russia next week Tuesday.