Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi says having fellow Nigerians Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze at Fulham has created a strong sense of unity within the team, describing the trio as the club’s very own “Naija FC.”
In an interview with SuperSport, Iwobi said he was delighted to welcome Chukwueze to Craven Cottage, noting that the winger’s arrival has further strengthened the camaraderie among the Nigerian players at the club.
“It’s great, honestly. Having Samuel join us is special — not just because he’s Nigerian but because he’s a quality player and a really good person,” Iwobi said. “With Calvin and now Samuel, it feels like we’ve got our own Naija FC here at Fulham.”
The former Arsenal man compared the situation to previous Nigerian contingents in the Premier League, such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi at Leicester City, and Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Emmanuel Dennis at Nottingham Forest.
“Are we carrying Nigeria in the Premier League? Maybe not exactly,” he joked. “But it’s definitely nice to have that brotherhood within the team.”
Looking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations, Iwobi said representing Nigeria alongside his Fulham teammates would be a proud moment, adding that the team’s ultimate goal is to win the tournament.
“Every player dreams of winning AFCON, and for us, the goal is to go further than we did last time — and the only way to do that is to win it,” he said. “Hopefully, we can achieve something big together this year.”
Reflecting on his inspiration growing up, Iwobi credited his uncle and Nigerian football legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha for motivating him to pursue football.
“I remember watching him at Bolton under Sam Allardyce,” Iwobi recalled. “They were fighting to stay in the league, and he ran from one end of the pitch to the other before smashing it into the top corner against West Ham. I thought, ‘One day, I want to be like my uncle — or even better.’ That moment really inspired me.”
