Alex Iwobi’s performances for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have drawn praise from many quarters, but few endorsements carry as much weight as that of his father, Chuka Iwobi.
Speaking in Morocco, where he has been following the Super Eagles’ campaign, Chuka reflected on a career that has taken his son from Arsenal’s Hale End academy to becoming one of Nigeria’s most capped international footballers.
“I’ve been supporting Alex since he was young,” he said. “I had hoped that if I had a son, he would love football, but in terms of how far he would go, I had no clue. These kinds of things, you can’t predict.”
Alex Iwobi and his dad Chuka. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Now 29, the Fulham midfielder is firmly established as one of the senior figures in the Nigerian squad. With 93 international appearances, only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo have represented the country more often.
At club level, Iwobi has also written his name into the record books as the Nigerian with the most Premier League appearances.
For his father, the numbers underline a career that has exceeded expectations.
“I played football when I was younger and played for a few teams in Nigeria,” Chuka added. “I’m proud of his achievements so far, and I personally think there’s more to come from him.”
Jay Jay Okocha and Alex and Chuka Iwobi. Photo Credit: Iwobi/Snap
Iwobi’s story is inseparable from his footballing lineage. He is the nephew of former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Africa’s most gifted players, and comparisons between the two have followed him throughout his career.
According to his father, Okocha’s influence was present from an early age. “Uncle Jay-Jay has been sort of an inspiration to him, to the family, to Nigerians,” he said.
“From when Alex was at the Arsenal academy, we used to go to Bolton to watch Jay-Jay play.
“Alex has his own style of play, but he’s also influenced by the skills and technical ability of his uncle. Jay-Jay has always been there for him.”
Alex Iwobi and Jay Jay Okocha. Photo Credit: Iwobi/snap
Those comparisons, however, have not always been easy to manage. Chuka acknowledged that expectations shaped by Okocha’s legacy have tested his son’s resilience.
“In football, you always have to be mentally strong,” he said. “There were times he was told he wasn’t as good as his uncle, but not everyone can be as good as Jay-Jay.
“For the very fact that at 29 he has over 300 Premier League appearances and about 93 for the national team, that shows there is something in him.”
Alex Iwobi has two assists in 2 matches for the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Born in Nigeria but raised in England from infancy, Iwobi represented England at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria in 2015. His father revealed that while he had a preference, the final decision was left to Alex.
“When he came to Nigeria for the first time, he was 18, and I was the one who took him,” Chuka said. “I told him, ‘Let’s go, but it’s going to be your decision.’
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“The welcome he got from the fans, the team and the nation was resounding. He saw a different atmosphere – fun, laughter and prayers. Although I did tell him if it was down to me, he’d go back to Nigeria because that’s where his roots are.”
The Iwobi family at the Craven Cottage. Photo Credit: Iwobi/Snap
As Nigeria push for continental success after falling short in the final two years ago, Iwobi stands just 18 appearances away from becoming the Super Eagles’ most capped player. For his father, beyond records or comparisons, pride remains the overriding emotion.
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“He always gives his best for the country,” Chuka said. “He loves the country, and we’re proud Nigerians.”
