Nigeria Players Abroad
“He doesn’t go into detail about my game” — Alex Iwobi on his dad’s enthusiasm
By: Monsurah Olatunji
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has shared some humorous and heartwarming insights into his family’s support for his career, particularly his father’s enthusiastic approach to his football journey.
Iwobi spoke about the contrast between his father and his famous uncle, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, a legend of African football.
Growing up in a footballing family, Iwobi was constantly surrounded by the game, with Okocha serving as a major influence on his career.
“Watching my uncle Jay-Jay was a massive influence for me,” Iwobi in a candid conversation on the Fulham Fix Podcast.
“He was one of the best players in Africa and Europe, known for his dribbling and vision. I looked up to him and learned a lot, especially in terms of technique and style.”
While Okocha’s legendary career left a lasting impact on Iwobi, his father’s unwavering support and pride also played a crucial role in his development.
According to Iwobi, his father’s enthusiasm sometimes becomes a bit too much—particularly when he sports his son’s jersey around town.
“You should see my dad in the house,” Iwobi joked.
“He’s always wearing a training kit or my jersey, always ready to go. But sometimes it’s embarrassing. If we go out, he’s wearing a jersey with the big ‘Iwobi’ on the back, and I tell him to chill, but he’s just proud.”
Despite his father’s passion for his career, Iwobi noted that his dad keeps things simple when it comes to his football, avoiding detailed analysis of his performances.
“He doesn’t go into detail about my game. He knows football because he played in Nigeria, like my uncle, so he understands the game. Nowadays, he just says ‘well done,'” Iwobi added.
