SUPER Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi brought Christmas cheer to east London on Sunday as he gave out free food, including turkeys, to struggling families at his temporary shop.
The Fulham star, who has been in scintillating form this season with five Premier League goals, opened ‘AleXpress’ in Canning Town, his hometown, where he distributed food items to 100 families as part of Project 17.
Speaking about his charitable initiative, Iwobi credited his parents for instilling in him the spirit of giving.
“In the house I was raised in, my dad naturally just gave back. To people in Nigeria, to his family and even people in the street – he would just buy bottles of water and give them to neighbours,” Iwobi told BBC Sport Africa.
“Seeing how my mum and dad are has inspired me to give to others, whether they are fortunate or less fortunate. With the position I am in, I feel like it’s only right with the influence I have that I give back as well.”
The 27-year-old, who joined Fulham from Everton last summer, has established himself as a key player for Marco Silva’s side, leading the Cottagers’ scoring charts alongside being third in assists with three.
“If I can help them celebrate a great Christmas, why not?” the Nigeria international added.
His charitable work comes amid an impressive run of form that has helped Fulham to 10th place in the Premier League with 23 points from 15 games – their second-best tally at this stage in Premier League history.
The midfielder’s recent goalless draw against Southampton ended a productive spell that included a brace in Fulham’s 3-1 victory at Brighton earlier this month.
