Arsenal have confirmed that they will release Alex Iwobi for an upcoming Nigeria under23 match.

Providing, of course, that the player wants to be involved and that the request comes through the proper channels.

The All African Games qualifier will take place on February 20th and falls outside FIFA’s international match calendar but Nigerian’s coach, Samson Siasia, named the Arsenal youngster in his squad for the game despite Arsenal’s under21’s scheduled to play their rearranged FA Youth Cup fixture the day before the Nigeria match.

Arsenal spokesperson, Andrew Mancha, told SL10.ng

‘’We are expecting correspondence from the Nigerian FA, and it’s also down to Alex Iwobi if he wants to play in that fixture.

‘’He would be released for the game if it goes through the proper channels.”

Iwobi is Arsenal’s under21 captain and has been enjoying a fruitful season, even gaining a call-up to the senior side although he has yet to make his debut for the first team.

The nephew of Jay Jay Okocha, Iwobi is represented by Jay Jay’s brother, Emma, who also played for Nigeria at senior international level.

Okocha was adamant that his client was steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria, stating

‘’That depends on Arsenal if they are going to release him. He came around sometime ago to train with the team.

“It shows he wants to play for the country. It now depends on the agreement between Arsenal and NFF.

‘’He needs Arsenal’s permission to come since it’s not a Fifa free window.”