Alex Iwobi, Nigeria international footballer, has spoken about his life-long relationship with Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, revealing that it goes beyond friendship as the two have been brothers for over 18 years, MySportDab Reports.
Speaking on Season 5, Episode 1: Is This Seat Taken? podcast, the Fulham midfielder opened up about their old friendship, which developed when they both lived on the same street in England as children.
Though born barely a year apart — Iwobi on May 3, 1996, and Aina on Oct. 8, 1996 — the pair forged a bond that has developed into a firm friendship over the years.
“People say best friends, but we are brothers,” Iwobi said And their rise from playing football on the streets as children to fairly representing Nigeria on the world stage together is a long, ridged fairy tale.
Since joining the Super Eagles, the pair has celebrated several milestones, including the silver medal they won during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Iwobi, who made his Super Eagles bow in 2015, has gone on to earn 80 caps and netted 10 goals. Aina joined in 2017, making 40 appearances while registering three assists.
The pain of missing out on lifting the AFCON trophy in 2023 still hurts, but both players are looking to new days with Nigeria. The Super Eagles must focus on the task at hand, as they begin the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a challenging match against Morocco.
The powerful rapport they share, in addition to their skills on the field, would inspire many fans and can be seen as a proof of their shared journey, which has taken them from the dreams of childhood to representing their country at the highest level.
