AFCON Fallout: Iwobi Denies Quitting Rumour

AFCON Fallout: Iwobi Denies Quitting Rumour

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has denied the quitting rumour emanating from certain sections of the media, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The rumour cropped up on Monday that the Fulham FC player wanted to quit the national team after suffering a huge abuse from fans via social media.

According to source, Iwobi disclosed to MTN FC that the player never nursed the ambition of retiring from international football.

"Never did he ever contemplate retiring - Alex loves playing for Nigeria.

“The camaraderie and sense of patriotism is in him, just watch him when he sings the national anthem. 

“It’s amazing that we win a silver in AFCON and then he considers that is the point he should retire because some people are trolling. That would be ridiculous timing - whoever wrote that is just mischief-making. 

Alex is always one of the first to report to camp, that will not change and God willing his best is yet to come.”

“If Alex wasn’t mentally strong he wouldn’t be playing at the level - empty vessels make the loudest of noises. We have so many armchair coaches and technicians but it’s only the word of coaches that matters.

“Alex listens to constructive criticism only from credible people and has no time for the ranting of buffoons. Mental strength is key in this business as there are highs and lows.

“I believe it’s the minority as surely the majority of Nigerians appreciate the fact that they left their clubs to answer the national call, some at the expense of losing starting berths when they go back", he said.