Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that players are sometimes required to pay for their own flights when called up to represent Nigeria.
Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast with former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa, the Fulham star reflected on his journey with the national team and some of the challenges he encountered after choosing to play for Nigeria.
Iwobi, who has earned 100 caps for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2015, said he was close to representing England at senior level before his father and uncle encouraged him to honour Nigeria’s invitation.
“I spoke to my dad and my uncle, and they said, ‘At least give Nigeria a try, and if you don’t like it, then you can say you’ve given it a go,’” he recalled.
Describing his first experience with the national team, the 30-year-old said players often had to make personal arrangements, including paying for flights and dealing with less-than-ideal camp conditions.
“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,” he said.
Iwobi also described the training facilities he encountered at the time, saying: “The pitch is only half grass, half astroturf. If you make one bad pass, the coach is screaming at you.”
Despite the challenges, the midfielder said the warmth and support he received from Nigerians convinced him he had made the right decision.
“But I loved the food. I just felt like I was at home. I had not even made a name for myself at Arsenal; I was still on the verge. But I was getting celebrated by Nigerians. The love I was getting was mad,” he added.
Over the years, players representing Nigeria have occasionally raised concerns about delayed reimbursements, unpaid allowances, and the standard of training facilities.
Iwobi has represented Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning silver and bronze medals, and was also part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.