C/Palace 0 – 0 Everton: Paperwork stops Iwobi from making debut

Nigerian fans who were eager to see Alex Iwobi make his much awaited debut for Everton in yesterday’s English Premier League opener against Crystal Palace would have to wait for few days to see him in action for the Toffees.

SportingLife gathered that Iwobi was ineligible to play his first match for Everton because he could not get his clearance from the Premier League since the paperwork was submitted after the 1700 hours deadline on Thursday.

All things being equal, the former Arsenal winger’s paperwork should be completed on Monday to pave way for him to play before his home fans at the Goodison Park against Watford on August 17.

Meanwhile, Iwobi’s father, Chuka Iwobi has revealed that the quest to play in his preferred No 10 role was a factor in his son’s shock transfer from Arsenal to Everton on deadline day.

“Alex is now officially an Everton player – A new challenge for him but a very bold decision with the potential to grow into a bigger and better player playing in his preferred No 10 role,” Mr Iwobi stated.

“Nobody should shy away from competition and Alex is moving to a club who have been following his progress from when he was young,” the Onitsha born medical doctor told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Many thanks to Nigerians for their support. We as a family thought seriously about it and felt that this is an opportunity for him to grow,” He further stated.