Julius OkorieSuper Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, is yet to completely overcome the pain of missing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Eagles failed to qualify for the last world Cup after failing to survive a two legged play-off against perennial rivals, Black Stars of Ghana.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe two teams had played out a goalless draw in Kumasi in the first leg, thus giving Nigeria an advantage ahead of the return leg.
But contrary to permutations in many quarters that the Eagles will consolidate in Abuja, the team unfortunately allowed hard fighting Black Stars to force a 1-1 draw thus advancing on the away goal rule.
Although that is now history Iwobi maintained that it is now time to work towards qualifying for the next world cup even as he expressed satisfaction with Super Eagles’ achievement in 2024.
“It’s been a good 2024, we’ve qualified for the next AFCON, and hopefully next is World Cup, that is the big dream for everyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Iwobi joined the league of those who decided to touch lives during this festive period by providing for the needy.
Iwobi who has stared in 17 matches for Fulham this season with five goals and three assists to his credit this season, opened his own temporary shop in Canning town (East London) in the spirit of Christmas to provide free food to those in need.
READ ALSO: EPL: How Iwobi’s Goal Failed To Save Fulham At Craven Cottage
The shop, aptly named Alexpress offers a wide range of festive treats and essentials, all completely free of charge for individuals and their families. After shopping, they also get a free turkey to celebrate the season.
Speaking with BBC News Africa, Iwobi revealed his zeal for giving back to the community and the people:
“We like to do something every Christmas to try and give back. Here we are creating my own ‘Alexpress’, a little minimart to try and give out food to families that are not able to go and get food for their families for Christmas,” he said. “If I can help them celebrate a great Christmas, why not?” he added.
He also revealed his parents are his inspiration: “Just seeing how my parents are, I’ve always seen them give back.
And with that as role models, it’s just made me feel like when I get in a position where I am today, or even if I was in less of a position, I would always try my best to give back and help the less fortunate or people that are not able to eat.
The 28-year-old who joined Fulham from Everton in 2023, has so far made 47 appearances for the Cottagers with 10 goals to his credit.
At the national team level, the former England junior international has accumulated 83 appearances for the Super Eagles scoring 10 goals in the bargain.
Primebusiness.africa reports that Fulham currently 9th on the Premier league log with 25 points in 17 matches, begin post-Christmas hostilities Thursday away to Chelsea.
It has been draw all the way in four matches with one win for Fulham recently and the clash against Chelsea promises to be another challenge.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
