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Like his uncle, Iwobi targets AFCON 2019 title on first attempt

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Alex Iwobi

Arsenal attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi is targeting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title win, on his first attempt, just like his uncle Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha did with the Super Eagles in the year 1994 in Tunisia.

Speaking with the BBC in an interview, the 22-year-old who was born in Lagos to Okocha’s sister and arrived in the UK aged four, said he has seen some highlights of the 1994 Nations Cup and he hopes to repeat the feat with his teammates in the Super Eagles.

“I’ve seen some of his highlights from 1994 and it would be cool to achieve that as well,” Iwobi told BBC Sport.

“I’m excited, I have always dreamt of participating and representing my country at the Africa Cup of Nations, but it won’t be easy for us in Egypt.

“Both dreams are coming true, hopefully I can get to play in Egypt.”

However, Iwobi admits that he is still learning about just how passionate Nigerian fans are.

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“I thought I understand what playing for Nigeria truly means, but the more I play in Nigeria and travel home, the more they [fans] make me believe bigger than I have always dreamt of.

“The more I see the the passion, the hunger that everyone wants for us to get there and do well. I think when I get there I will understand a bit more than I do now,” he added.

Meanwhile, organisers say the six stadia earmarked for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, will be ready by mid-May.

That much information was revealed by Egypt’s Minister for Youths and Sports, Prof. Asarf Sobhy, on Friday in Cairo, when journalists from 20 African countries including Nigeria, participating in the 53rd training course for Young African Journalists, paid him a courtesy visit.

He said that Egypt was not building new stadia for the tournament which will commence from June 21 to July 19, but carrying out renovation and upgrading of six existing stadia.

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