‘I’m trying to be great as Okocha’ – Alex Iwobi

Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi has revealed how inspirational Austin Jay Jay Okocha has been to him on and off the pitch.

The Super Eagles forward is a nephew to Nigeria Football Legend, Jay Jay Okocha.

“When I was younger, he used to give me advice about football,” Iwobi told The National.

“But he only speaks to me [now] about off the pitch, just making sure I handle myself well. On the pitch he just says ‘enjoy it’ really, the same thing he was doing.

“He wants me to do the same. He was a great player. I’m trying to live up to his standards. It’s a high standard to push up to but he’s a great role model for me.”

The 26-year-old was signed to everton for £26 million from Arsenal in 2019 and has opened up on his struggles and triumph at the Goodison Park pre and post the AFCON tournament earlier this year.

“I was having a bit of a difficult season and didn’t have the best Afcon experience, so I used that to make me motivated and get myself hungry [again],” said Iwobi.

“Coming back to a new manager and him speaking to me made me feel like it was a fresh start almost. That goal against Newcastle was hard work building up before that and a bit of a reward. But it’s in the past now. I just have to try and keep it going.”

Iwobi will be hoping to have a personal good season by racking up goals and assists as well as help Everton to a good Premier League table finish.