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Iwobi rues Rio Olympics miss, relishes Okocha’s support

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Iwobi wrecks Plateau Utd, to get new Arsenal deal

Super Eagles and Arsenal striker, Alex Iwobi, says he has put behind his absence from the football event of the Rio Olympics describing it as a blessing in disguise.

The 20-year-old added that going to Rio may have ruled him out of the start of the Premier League season and hampered his progress with the Gunners.

“I would like to have played in the Olympics — doing that would have been a big thing for me,” Iwobi told the London Evening Standard.

“If I had gone, I would have missed a couple of Arsenal games at least and the boss [Arsene Wenger] didn’t want that. I wish I did go but at the end of the day I did what the boss wanted and I am happy to be where I am. If I had gone, I might not be where I am now.”

The attacking midfielder, who was born in Lagos and moved to London when he was four years old, is now a regular first-choice starter for Wenger but still listens to advice from his uncle Austin Okocha.

“I don’t even look at how far I’ve come. I wouldn’t say I’m in a daze right now but I’m just enjoying it as it comes,” Iwobi said.

“When I was growing up, he helped me a lot on the pitch,” Iwobi said. “He gave me game advice a lot but the older I am getting, he is helping me off the pitch more so I can be professional and focus on the football.

“He’s always telling me what could happen, what you are about to face. He always says ‘concentrate on the football first — the rest is just luxury stuff that comes with it.”

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