Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi brought festive joy to struggling families in east London on Sunday by distributing free food, including turkeys, at a temporary shop he set up in Canning Town, his hometown.
The initiative, part of his Project 17 charity, saw Iwobi provide essential food items to 100 families at the shop, aptly named ‘AleXpress.’ The 27-year-old midfielder, who has been in remarkable form this Premier League season with five goals and three assists, credited his parents for inspiring his philanthropic spirit.
“In the house I was raised in, my dad naturally just gave back – to people in Nigeria, to his family, and even to people in the street. He would buy bottles of water and give them to neighbors,” 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,” he added.
Iwobi’s gesture comes during an impressive season for the Nigerian international, who joined Fulham from Everton last summer. The midfielder has quickly become a key player under Marco Silva, leading the team’s scoring charts while helping Fulham climb to 10th place in the Premier League with 23 points from 15 games. This marks Fulham’s second-best start in Premier League history.
“If I can help them celebrate a great Christmas, why not?” Iwobi said, emphasizing the importance of sharing joy during the festive season.
Iwobi’s contributions off the field mirror his recent on-pitch performances, including a brace in Fulham’s 3-1 victory over Brighton earlier this month. Although the team played out a goalless draw against Southampton in their most recent match, Iwobi’s impact has been instrumental in Fulham’s success this season.