Fulham of England midfielder, Alex Iwobi has come out with an explanation of the motives behind his decision to give out a largesse of free food in London.
Sports247.ng reports that the former Arsenal and ex-Everton of England dazzler made his emotions known in a video shoot for the 2024 Christmas spree he doled out from his retail outlet, AlexPress Mini Mart.
The video coverage highlighted Iwobi’s progression ‘from footballer to money mart,’ while also disclosing that ‘his pop-up shop has provided everything free for the local community.’
The former England youth international and current senior player in the Nigerian national team said he is happy to give out food items, livestock and drinks to less privileged people in the Canning Town suburb of London, where he grew up as a child.
Iwobi expatiated in the course of the broadcast that his parents were cheerful givers, and their attitude to life has rubbed off on him naturally, hence the zeal with which he gives out freebies at yuletide every year.
He stated, “Welcome to Alexpress. My shop hosted me in Canning Town, where I was raised for my primary school years. People, families are going to come in. They select a drink, also stuff for the house.
“There are different foods that they can take, and then, by the end of it, the finish touch, there’s a turkey.”
Iwobi then outlined the far-reaching motivation, passion and aspirations that always spur him to keep the gesture going on a yearly basis.
“We like to do something every Christmas … to try and give back. Here, we are creating my own Alexpress … a little mini-mart … to try and give out food to families that are not able to go and get food for Christmas.
“If I can help them celebrate a great Christmas, why not. Just seeing how my parents are, I’ve always seen them give back.
“With them as my role models, it just makes me feel like (giving), when I get in a position (like) where I am today.”
Iwobi continued by declaring that, since the spirit of caring and giving has been imbibed in him by his parents over the years, he would remain generous even if he is not playing at the high point he currently is.
“Even if I was in less of a position, I would always try to do my best to give back and help out the less fortunate or people that are not able to eat,” Iwobi retorted passionately.
He then turned his focus on football matters, as he reflected on his busy spell in the outgoing year, highlighted by helping Nigeria get silver at the Africa Cup of Nations and his recent burst of top form with Fulham.
He admitted that failing to win the AFCON final with the Super Eagles was a big letdown for him, but he had to shake off the despair in order to shine with his English Premier League club, as he currently is doing.
The fair-skinned nephew of former Super Eagles’ captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, added: “We wanted to win it, but you can’t dwell on it. You just have to try and go again.
“To play in such an occasion and to be second best in Africa is something we should be proud of. The beautiful thing about football is that there is always another opportunity around the corner.”
He concluded by expressing strong
optimism that he will be able to inspire the Super Eagles to pick a ticket to World Cup 2026, in just the same way his top form with Fulham has inspired The Cottagers to some great results of recent.
“(After) AFCON was done, I (had to remember that I was) coming back into club football. So, I had to literally switch my mindset and make sure I’m ready for Fulham.
“Hopefully, next is the World Cup. That’s the big dream for everyone,” said Iwobi, who was at the beginning of his professional career Arsenal’s under-21 team captain.
