The Everton midfielder reveals power cuts, uninvited room visitors and unbothered airport staff were part of the Super Eagles experience that almost cost Nigeria one of their brightest stars

Alex Iwobi has revealed he was sometimes forced to book his own flights and arrange his own airport transfers during Nigeria national team duty — lifting the lid on the organisational chaos that nearly convinced him to choose England over the Super Eagles.

The Everton midfielder, who came through England's youth setup before switching allegiances to Nigeria, said the difference between the two setups was night and day from the moment he first reported for the under-23 side.

While England operated out of a tightly controlled St. George's Park environment — strict diet, strict schedule, no outside access — Nigeria couldn't always guarantee a car at the airport.

"Sometimes your flight's not booked properly, you have to book your own flight. You get there and sometimes the people at the airport are not ready to pick you up, so you have to make your own way," Iwobi said.

The problems extended beyond travel. Power cuts at team hotels left players unable to charge their phones, and the kind of controlled camp environment standard at international level was nowhere to be found.

"England, no one's allowed in the hotel. Nigeria, people can come in your room whenever they want," he added.

It was only pressure from his father and uncle that convinced Iwobi to give Nigeria a chance at all. They urged him to try the under-23s at least once before making his decision.

He did — and despite everything he saw, he stayed.

"It took a lot of convincing at the time, but I have no regrets. I did love England, but because I grew up in a Nigerian household, Nigeria has always been a part of me," Iwobi said.

The NFF has yet to respond.