Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, the nephew of former footballer Jay-Jay Okocha who was born in Lagos before moving to England at the age of four, following a brief stay in Turkey, wishes to match his uncle feat by winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria at his first attempt.

Okocha was part of the winning Super Eagles team in 1994 at his maiden appearance at the finals, though Alex Iwobi didn’t watch the games as he wasn’t born then, he said “I’ve seen some of his highlights from 1994 and it would be cool to achieve that as well…”

Nigeria, won a third AFCON title in 2013 but missed out on the last two tournaments, but getting back on the continent excites Iwobi; “I’m excited, I have always dreamt of participating and representing my country at the African Cup of Nations, but it won’t be easy for us in Egypt…”

Iwobi who is always compared to his uncle, says Okocha is his idol but he has a long way to go before attaining that level; “When people compare me to him… it’s like ‘wow’ maybe they see me on his level but I don’t believe I am there yet.

It is what it is, he’s a skilful player, I’m quite skillful myself so they are always going to compare me to him especially that he’s my uncle. I still have a long way to go, maybe one day I can be on his level or greater.”