Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi is understood to be keen on representing the Super Eagles at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which would affect his Premier League participation with Arsenal.
The Gunners wonderkid made his competitive debut for the men’s senior national side during the recent international break, but was impotent as the Super Eagles were dumped out of the running for Cup of Nations 2017 qualifying at the hands of Egypt.
Despite being disappointed by his first foray into international competition, Iwobi has revealed that he is keen on adding to his experience representing Nigeria.
“It was a massive disappointment for the team that we did not qualify for the forthcoming Africa Cup Nations,” teenage forward Iwobi told Goal.
“The coaches and players worked so hard to gain the ticket but it’s a shame we didn’t get through. We conceded a late goal in Kaduna and unfortunately we were unable to convert our chances in the second leg in Egypt.”
The attacker proceeded to confirm that he was hoping to represent the Super Eagles at the Summer Olympics in Brazil.
“I am looking forward to the forthcoming Olympics and if I am invited, I will do my best to make a meaningful contribution,” Iwobi continued.
“I believe that Nigeria has a crop of excellent players who are capable of doing great things at the Olympics. Coach Samson Siasia deserves a lot of praise for securing a place for the nation at the Olympics.”
SEE MORE:
VIRAL: Bayern Munich stars celebrate Benfica victory in bizarre hot tub clip
Super-agent reveals that offers have been incoming for Manchester United, Chelsea transfer target
Real Madrid international accused of being an ‘actor’ by Wolfsburg coach after shameful simulation
As outlined by the Mirror, if Iwobi does opt to turn out for the Super Eagles at the Olympics, he would jeopardise his participation for Arsenal at the beginning of next season.
The Olympics runs from August 4 to August 20, meaning that the Nigeria wonderkid would miss the Gunners’ pre-season schedule, and would also be absent for approximately the first month of EPL competition.