AFCON 2025
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up on the striking differences between the national team environments of England national football team and Nigeria national football team, describing the Nigerian camp as more culturally familiar and emotionally fulfilling despite its less rigid structure.
Iwobi made the remarks during an appearance on the The High Performance Podcast, where he reflected on his experience within the English youth system and his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria.
The 27-year-old, who represented England at youth level before switching allegiance, said the English national team setup operates under strict professional guidelines that regulate players’ daily activities.
“Playing for England and playing for Nigeria themselves are very different,” Iwobi said. “England’s a bit more strict. In Saint George’s Park, or you’re in a hotel. No one’s allowed to come in, strict food, strict regime, that’s it.”
The former Arsenal F.C. midfielder noted that the Nigerian national team environment can be less structured, with players occasionally having to deal with logistical issues during international camps.
“Nigeria now, you’re good, you’re good. I have to watch what I say,” he said. “Sometimes your flight’s not booked properly. You have to book your own flight. You get there now.”
“Sometimes the people at the airport are not ready to pick you up, so sometimes you have to make your own way. The hotels are OK. Sometimes the light goes out; sometimes you don’t have anywhere to charge your phone.”
Iwobi also highlighted the relaxed nature of the Nigerian camp compared to England’s tightly controlled environment.
“England, no one’s allowed in the hotel. Nigeria, you people can come into your room whenever you want,” he said.
The 28-year-old explained that his decision to represent Nigeria came after encouragement from his family, who urged him to experience the national team setup before making a final choice.
“My uncle and my dad said just at least try once with Nigeria, so I tried on the under-23 just to see, and then I can compare what I prefer,” he said.
Recalling his early experience with Nigeria’s under-23 team, Iwobi admitted that the conditions were very different from what he was used to while playing in England.
“It took a lot of convincing at the time, because as I said, under 23s, you have to book your own flight,” he said.
“The pitch that we were training on, there would be half grass, half AstroTurf, and maybe a bit of sand on the side. The coaches were strict in the sense that if you mess up a pass, it’s not just like you’re getting told off in the air; you have to do a lap around the pitch.”
Despite the challenges, the midfielder said he has no regrets about choosing Nigeria, a decision influenced by his upbringing in a Nigerian household.
“It took a lot of convincing. I have no regrets,” Iwobi said. “I do; I did love England. I feel like because I grew up in a Nigerian household, Nigeria’s always been a part of me.”
Iwobi has since become an important figure for the Super Eagles, earning regular call-ups and representing the country in major international competitions while continuing his club career with Fulham F.C. in the Premier League.
