By Sedara Philip
Nigerian International star Alex Iwobi is in seventh heaven after making a move from Everton FC to Fulham FC on transfer deadline in England.
The former Toffee expressed his happiness and excitement after joining the club on a five-year contract with the Craven Cottage outfit.
Speaking to FFCtv, the 27-year-old said: “I’m buzzing, I just can’t wait to get started, I’m excited to start my journey here.
“Marco Silva spoke to me about the ambitions of the Club, and I’m on board. Hopefully I can bring something to the Club.”
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Iwobi moved to England at a young age, and was picked up by Arsenal as a six-year-old.
After moving up through the age groups, Iwobi was handed a first team debut in the League Cup by Arsene Wenger at the beginning of the 2015/16 season, with a Premier League bow following four days later in a 3-0 win at Swansea City.
After moving up through the age groups, Iwobi was handed a first team debut in the League Cup by Arsene Wenger at the beginning of the 2015/16 season, with a Premier League bow following four days later in a 3-0 win at Swansea City.
The teenage Iwobi remained in the senior setup from thereon in, making 21 appearances across all competitions – including in the Champions League – and registering four goal involvements (2G, 2A) in his first three Premier League starts, as the Gunners finished as runners-up.
The next year was another productive one for player and club as they won the FA Cup, while in 2017/18 they reached the League Cup Final and Europa League Semi-Finals.
Arsenal went one better the following season by making it all the way to the Europa League Final. Iwobi was on target in the showpiece event in Baku, but they ended up falling to defeat by London rivals Chelsea.That was Iwobi’s final appearance for the club, departing with a record of 15 goals and 25 assists in 149 appearances.
While in North London, Iwobi had built a reputation as an exciting, technically gifted player who can perform in a variety of attacking midfield roles, with his performances prompting Marco Silva to bring him to Everton in a deal worth £35m.
During a difficult few years for the Toffees, Iwobi’s displays were one of the positives, particularly last season when his 10 goal involvements helped the club avoid relegation, and also saw him named Players’ Player of the Season.
The nephew of Nigeria icon Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015, and featured in all three of their matches at the 2018 World Cup.
He now has 63 caps for his national side, and has scored 10 goals in that time.
