I mostly find my way to the team hotel — Iwobi comment on NFF inadequate organization

Alex Iwobi has highlighted the inadequate organization by the NFF during national team assignments, noting that he sometimes has to book his own flight and make arrangements to reach the team hotel.

Iwobi discussed the reasons behind his eventual choice to play for the Nigeria national football team rather than continue his international career with England, stating that he found a noticeable difference in organization between the two teams. He described England’s approach as much more structured and disciplined.

“In England, the system is stricter. You’re either at St. George’s Park or in a hotel where outsiders aren’t permitted, with strict food and regimented rules,” he explained.

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Reflecting on his initial experiences with the Nigerian under-23 team, Iwobi noted the contrasting situation: “In Nigeria, sometimes your flight isn’t booked properly, and you have to arrange your own travel. Upon arrival, there are times when no one is there to pick you up, leaving you to handle transportation on your own.”

He also mentioned some of the difficulties players occasionally encountered during training camps, such as unreliable electricity or inadequate facilities for charging devices. “The hotels are decent, but sometimes the power goes out, and you can’t charge your phone. In England, no one is permitted to visit the hotel; in Nigeria, guests can enter your room at any time,” he added.

Iwobi credited his family for encouraging him to give playing for Nigeria a chance. “My dad and uncle urged me to at least try out for Nigeria. So, I experienced the under-23s to compare both options,” he shared.

Despite his initial hesitations and challenges, Iwobi expressed that he has no regrets about his decision. “It required a lot of persuasion, but I have no regrets. I loved England, but growing up in a Nigerian household made Nigeria part of me,”  he concluded.