Iwobi says he would love to be used in the playmaker role like his uncle Okocha come the World Cup

ARSENAL midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed that he would love to be played as the Super Eagles playmaker at the forthcoming World Cup as the number 10 position in which his famous uncle Jay-Jay Okocha featured is his preferred role.

Iwobi, 22, was Nigeria's stand-out player in last weekend's friendly game with England at Wembley and the Arsenal man topped up a fine display by scoring a goal. Over the last two years, Iwobi has played in a variety of roles for club and country, including left winger, right winger, left midfield, attacking midfield and centre forward.

However, the Arsenal youngster says he prefers playing in the number ten role. Iwobi's mother is Okocha's sister and the former Eagles captain has been the Arsenal man's mentor, guiding him along over the course of his career.

Iwobi said: "For me, I have always grown up playing in number 10, not striker but close to the striker. That has always been my position growing up.

”I have learnt to adapt to a different positions, as I have played left midfield, I have played central midfield and I have played right midfield. I have played in a number of positions but my favourite position will probably be number 10.”

Tomorrow, Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr may well play Iwobi in this position when his team takes on the Czech Republic in Austria during their final warm-up match. After the game against the Czechs, Nigeria will head out to Russia to begin their World Cup campaign.

After the England game, Iwobi suffered from cramps in the closing minutes but Mr Rohr said he is fine and will be okay. Yesterday, Iwobi did not participate in the full training session but worked out in the gym and was seen exercising in the swimming pool.

Captain Mikel Obi and defenders William Ekong and Brian Idowu did also not train fully, as they worked in the gym along with Victor Moses, who was subbed out in the 63rd minute on Saturday. Brighton defender, Leon Balogun’s availability for the friendly against Czech Republic is in doubt too as he had to be taken off the pitch to receive medical treatment following a clash of heads with midfielder, Joel Obi prior to his substitution at half-time during the Eagles’ clash with England.

Mr Rohr said, “Iwobi suffered only cramps. Other players had cramp issues too which shows the effect of travelling from Uyo to Port Harcourt, then to Abuja to see the president and then coming here.”

Meanwhile, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has made a full recovery from the injury that has restricted him from taking part in the training session and friendly matches lately.

He returned to full training yesterday and was among the top five players in yesterday’s session which involved technical and tactical drills.