Nigeria have named a provisional 35-man squad for the Olympics this summer, and have included the likes of Alex Iwobi, Jon Obi Mikel and Kelechi Iheanacho.
The competition is set to run between August 4 and August 20, meaning any Premier League players inclusion would mean they miss much of pre-season in preparation for the tournament, as well as the opening weeks of the campaign should his side reach the latter stages.
Rumour has it Iheanacho has agreed to stay with his club in hope of a more integral role in Man City’s first-team this season, with new boss Pep Guardiola taking over the side from July 1.
Arsenal’s Iwobi has already stated he would like to participate in the tournament however, but would still need permission from Arsene Wenger to be away from the squad.
The winger enjoyed a hugely impressive breakthrough year in the Gunners’ first team last term, displacing Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to earn a regular starting place.
Iwobi was narrowly denied a Arsenal Player of the Month award to fellow African Mohamed Elneny, for his string of consistent displays in the Premier League.
The Arsenal youth product previously played for England at youth level, but decided to switch allegiance to Nigeria in March, much to the dissatisfaction of the English set-up.
Iwobi made 11 appearances for England youth sides from Under-16 level up to the Under-18’s, before deciding his heart was in playing for the country of his birth.
He now looks likely to feature for Nigeria in the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, with his place in the final 18 of the squad highly likely following his displays in the past 12 months.
How much of a loss is Iwobi to our preparation for the upcoming season? Could it stunt his progress at Arsenal?
Bob
Hmm, not really sure were you want us to go with this article (your probably thinking? I don’t care where ya go, you can go and do one for all I care, you’s try writing articles see how easy it is?). If you were thinking that ..apologies.
I don’t mind if he travels for this, if I was him Id want to experience everything I can. It might help him develop more quickly. I suppose it depends on our casualty list. After the euros and all, Id expect a few sick notes. And what about rest, we cocked up the last time not properly resting our French and German players. Also new signings, so things could look all together iffy by the time this tournament comes around. If we have some new players and virtually a full squad to choose from, then I say let the boy go.
I seem to remember Wenger telling Nigeria that he didn’t want him to go because he will be starting the new season as a first team player.
I think Iwobi may be caught in the phrase ” between a rock and a hard place”, cementing his national team place by playing in all these tournaments is good, gathering experience is also good, however concerning is club status as an inspiring squad member may be in jeopardy, arsenal i think is bless with a lot of attacking options, any of these may come in and cement a position, leaving Iwobi out in the cold