England 'fail in last-ditch bid' to convince Alex Iwobi from committing his future to Nigeria

England have reportedly failed in their bid to convince Alex Iwobi to play for the Three Lions instead of Nigeria. The 19-year-old midfielder has burst onto the scene at Arsenal in recent weeks and is eligible to play for both countries. However, he has already decided he wishes to play for the country of his birth.

Iwobi, who scored his first Premier League goal against Everton at the weekend, is set to cement his international future by featuring for the Super Eagles in their African Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt on Friday (25 March). Despite this, it has been reported the English Football Association sent a last-minute email to the youngster in a bid to convince him to change his mind.

"Alex is committed to Nigeria," a source told ESPN of the Arsenal player's plans. "It's taken over nine months of hard work to complete the paperwork on his switch and he will not throw all that away now."

Iwobi has played for England at U16, U17 and U18 levels, but has also featured in two friendly games for Nigeria. The Arsenal starlet is also reported to have informed the English Football Association of his plans to play for Nigeria.

He is expected to make his full debut for the Super Eagles in their upcoming African Nations Cup double-header against Egypt, after becoming a first-choice player for Arsenal over the last few weeks.