Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi to make competitive debut for Nigeria despite salad food poisoning reports

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi is set to make his competitive debut for the Nigerian national team, despite reports early on Tuesday (22 March) suggesting the Gunners starlet had been hospitalised with food poisoning. The Nigeria Football Federation has tweeted that the 19-year-old just has a minor bout of flu and will be available for the key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt on Friday.

Iwobi played his first game for the Super Eagles in November, a friendly against DR Congo, having previously represented England at U17, U17 and U18 levels. The winger, however, decided to commit his international future to Nigeria by making a competitive start against Nigeria.

Alarm bells were sounded on Tuesday though when there were reports the Arsenal youngster was ruled out with food poisoning, sustained after eating a salad. Nigeria's manager seemingly confirmed the news, adding that the player had missed training.

Arsenal forward had been missed the training session.

"He suffered from food poisoning and so was not part of the training. But his condition is stable," Siasia said, according to The Sun.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation has now clarified the situation on Twitter, saying that the player just has a bout of the cold and will feature against Egypt.

"@NGSuperEagles striker Iwobi suffered from traveler's flu earlier today, but he's well & set to play against Egypt," the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed.

The news is a big boost for Arsene Wenger after the 19-year-old broke through into the first team in recent weeks, scoring his first goal for the Gunners during the 2-0 victory at Everton just days after a surprising starting appearance in the Champions League against Arsenal.

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