Alex Iwobi says he’s ready and prepared for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia but knows he’s not guaranteed a spot in the starting eleven.

Last weekend, Iwobi said that he wasn’t expecting a start ahead of the game, but he would be ready if given one, reports All Nigeria Soccer.

“It is a team game, at the end of the day the coach will decide the best players for the team. If I am called upon to represent my country I will be ready and prepared but it is up to the coach,” he said.

Iwobi has had a relatively underrated last few months, in my opinion. For me, he was probably the Gunners’ best player in pre-season, and was unlucky to get injured so soon afterwards.

But after returning he’s been back at that high level again, drawing praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his disciplined performance against Chelsea, and scoring a goal in another good game against Brighton.

So if the Nigerian coach makes the decision based on club form, I believe Iwobi should be in with a good chance. The midfielder hasn’t featured for his country since June, due to injury suffered before the early September matches, so he may need to be patient.

Iwobi was a regular starter in every game for the Super Eagles up to March 2016, however, so he is normally an important part of the side on international duty. We’ll find out on Saturday when Gernot Rohr reveals his starting line-up.