Iwobi during a recent interview wished Eze all the best after accepting to represent England instead of Nigeria
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has said he did all within his power to convince Crystal Palace winger, Eberechi Eze to don the Nigerian jersey.
He made this known during a recent interview he granted Brila FM ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Sierra Leone on Sunday.
Eze, who was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, was eligible to represent the Super Eagles and the Three Lions despite playing for England at youth level.
The 24-year-old, however, turned down overtures from former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and erstwhile Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr to play for the Super Eagles
Instead, he accepted the invitation by Three Lions of England manager, Gareth Southgate, to play against Malta and North Macedonia in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
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Eze says he doesn’t regret picking England over Nigeria
Speaking after accepting England’s invitation, Eze said he has no regret in choosing the Three Lions over the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He said: “We think that this is the best one. It is a big opportunity for me. It is the highest level of football. I look at it with no regret at all. “
He also claimed choosing the country of his birth over where his parents originated was the best choice for him.
“I received the call, and I felt it was the right decision to make, and I am very, very happy to be here,” Eze added.
Iwobi, who also represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, speaking on the matter said he tried to make Eze play for the three-time African champions.
He said: “I spoke to Ebere Eze to try and come but then obviously he’s never had the opportunity to come but I wish him all the best with England as well,”