Nigerian and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi on Saturday netted his first senior goal for the Gunners in the first half of their Premier League clash with Everton , as the 19-year-old sets about realising his undeniable potential.
Iwobi who has now committed to Nigeria after gaining caps for England’s Under-16, 17 and 18 teams, was handed a new deal at the Emirates earlier this season after rising through the ranks at Arsenal’s Hale End academy and has now become a regular in the Gunners’ first-team squad.
Iwobi had only played 40 minutes of Premier League football across five substitute appearances prior to Saturday’s trip to Goodison Park, but on this evidence Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell will have to get used to kicking their heels on the bench.
The nephew of Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha has quality as well as confidence, and Everton’s defenders will not remember their first meeting fondly.
Former Arsenal star, Nwankwo Kanu also joined a growing list of admirers of the Nigeria youngster following the man-of-the-match display for Arsenal on Saturday.
“Well done Arsenal and well done Iwobi. Keep going and I wish you all the best,” Kanu saluted.
Well done arsenal and well done iwobi.keep going and I wish all the best
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) March 19, 2016
Iwobi’s uncle, the legendary Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, was one of the first to congratulate the young midfielder.
“So pleased with Alexi’s performance this afternoon. Delighted he got his first premiership goal…So proud of him. Wel-done Ojiogwu,” Okocha tweeted.
Goallllll….Iwobiiiiiiiii… Come on NEPH….that's more like it…
— Jay-Jay Okocha (@IAmOkocha) March 19, 2016
So pleased with Alexi's performance this afternoon. Delighted he got his first premiership goal.. So proud of him. Wel-done Ojiogwu
— Jay-Jay Okocha (@IAmOkocha) March 19, 2016
Arsenal manager Wenger has talked up Iwobi’s “awareness” and “intelligence” at various points this season, and the academy graduate has also looked comfortable behind the striker in FA Cup games.
“He benefits from his talents, intelligence and attitude,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “He has been practising with the players since the start of the season and he has been growing in contact with these players and he is learning quickly from them.”
It wasn’t just in Everton’s half that Iwobi excelled. His all-round contribution was highlighted by the fact he made as many successful tackles as Arsenal’s midfield enforcer Francis Coquelin (four), and it was his muscular defensive work that started the move he finished off himself for the second goal.
The teenager first gave fans a glimpse of his talents in pre-season, where he featured on the tour to Singapore before starring on the Emirates Cup, netting against Lyon .
