Alex Iwobi has been doing philanthropic work in his childhood community, giving away free food to those in need at Christmas.
Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Iwobi grew up in East London after moving to the United Kingdom from his birth country of Nigeria.
He represented England at youth level before playing for Nigeria, and still has ties to Canning Town after spending his childhood there.
According to The Mirror, Canning Town is in the Borough of Newham, one of the London boroughs with the highest poverty rates. With low-income families and individuals struggling with the cost of living, Iwobi decided to give something back.
Former Arsenal star Iwobi has been a regular for Fulham under Marco Silva, scoring 10 league goals since the start of last season.
This week, though, he has taken on different responsibilties with his ‘Alexpress’ pop-up shop where those in need are able to pick up food, drinks and items for the house – and even a Christmas turkey.
“We like to do something every Christmas to try and give back,” Iwobi told BBC Africa. “Here, we’re creating my own ‘Alexpress’, a little minimart to try and give out food to families that are not able to go and get food for their families at Christmas.
“If I can help them celebrate a great Christmas, why not? Just seeing how my parents are, I’ve always seen them give back.
“And with that as role models, it’s just made me feel like when I get in a position where I am today – or even if I was in less of a position – I would always try to do my best to give back and help out the less fortunate or people that are not able to eat.”
