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Nigerian-British youngster Alex Iwobi will finally get his chance to feature for the national senior male football team, the Super Eagles, when the team’s camp opens in Blegium, October 5, 2015, in Belgium, as they prepare for international friendlies against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Lions of Cameroon. The Super Eagle's new handler, Sunday Oliseh has vowed to transform the team and produce better results. It would be recalled that the Super Eagles played a barren draw against the Sudan national team in their last qualifier game and they are to meet the Pharaohs of Egypt in their next match, a match many think is the decider of the qualifiers. The Egypt game is a must win for the Super Eagles and this has prompted the Super Eagles' coach to go far afield in search of players to boost the team.

Iwobi, 19, who trained with the U-23 squad ahead of an All Africa Games qualifying return leg match back in March is eligible to represent Nigeria, despite featuring for England at youth level. It would be recalled that the player had once represented England as a member of their under-17 national team.

The approach was made to get Iwobi, after FIFA stamped his eligibility to play for his Fatherland, since he has “permanent Nigerian citizenship and did not represent another association or country in a match in an official competition”.

It is also believed that the nation’s football authority stepped up the pressure to get him to play for Nigeria, after another youth international, Jordon Ibe, turned down the opportunity to star for Nigeria, opting for England, instead, towing the same path as John Fasanu, who also opted for England instead of Nigeria, which automatically barred him from ever representing Nigeria.

The Super Eagles play the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 8 and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later, in Belgium, as they await the winner of the preliminary round between Swaziland and Djibouti – who they will play on November 9 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup first round qualifier, with the Eagles hosting the return leg in Nigeria eight days later. It looks like a very busy schedule for the team.

The 26 players invited to camp include;

Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France), Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars), Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany), Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal), Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France), Chima Akas (Sharks FC), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey), Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy), Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars), Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England), Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE), Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia), Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium), Victor Moses (West Ham United, England), Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England), Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England).