Iwobi reveals how Jay-jay Okocha inspired his career

Nigeria winger Alex Iwobi had come out to explain his superb form with Fulham in the Premier League this season.

Under Marco Silva, Iwobi has been allowed to express himself much more, being involved more often and getting the team out of defence into the attack.

All while still being able to charge forward and enter the box. In his last two games, he recorded two goals and one assist (one goal vs Tottenham Hotspur, two goals, one assist vs Sunderland).

‘I’m lucky because he’s my uncle’

Iwobi has praised his uncle Okocha, who encouraged him to play with freedom and confidence throughout his career.

“Express yourself. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. I got it from my uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha. He said it to me once, and I literally just watched how he lived his life,” Iwobi told The High Performance Podcast, as quoted by Allnigeria soccer.

He added, “And obviously I’m lucky because he’s, my uncle. I used to see him off the pitch as well as on the pitch.”

The former Arsenal star continued: “I remember one time I went to the Bolton training ground, and Sam Allardyce, a serious manager who doesn’t really joke around like that, and he’s just dancing and coming to kick the ball at me.”

Iwobi has made 22 league appearances

Iwobi concluded: “And when it’s Christmas and we’re back home, he’s just dancing. He was the definition of ‘express yourself’, always play football with a smile on your face.

“When I watch him, I learn to be yourself, so that’s where I got it from.”

This season, Iwobi has made 22 league appearances, and has scored four goals including three assists.