Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed the impact his faith has had on his football career, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old recently hit the 300-game milestone in the English Premier League in Fulham’s loss to Newcastle United last week, becoming the first Nigerian to reach such a milestone.
The former Everton man was honoured at the recent Best of Africa Awards in London with the Baobab Award in Sport for inspiring millions beyond his performances on the pitch.
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Iwobi discusses Faith
The Super Eagles mentioned he’s matured over time, openly admitting the impact faith has had in his journey, and mentioning there’s no need for him to hide that part of himself.
“I’ve learned this the older I’ve got (that), if you don’t accept me for who I am, that’s literally on you. I’m not afraid to show who I am,” he said in an interview with CNN.
“When I’m playing in Nigeria, we’re literally praying before training, on the bus praying before matches. It’s (Christianity) a part of who I am.
“As long as people can embrace and showcase who they are, no one should be afraid to do that, and it’s amazing to see in this day and age everyone’s comfortable doing that now.”
Reflecting on his career after playing three centuries of Premier League games, the one-time FA Cup winner said:
“I’m not one to take time and breathe and see what I’ve done. I like to keep on going.
“When I came home from the Newcastle game, even though it was a defeat, just speaking to my parents and how excited they were gave me so much joy,” Iwobi concluded.
Up next for Iwobi and Fulham is the top-flight clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.