Alex Iwobi has revealed that he is amazed by the level of support Arsenal have in Nigeria, saying that supporters shouted his team’s name rather than his in an international match.

Arsenal have long had a strong following in Africa’s most populous country, with the success enjoyed by Nigerian great Nwankwo Kanu in north London between 1999 and 2004 at least partially explaining the Gunners’ popularity.

Twitter data in 2015 placed Arsenal just ahead of local rivals Chelsea (who have had Olympic bronze medallist Mikel John Obi in their squad for over a decade) as Nigeria’s most popular side and Iwobi’s experience on his competitive debut for his national side only serves to emphasise the devotion of supporters to Arsene Wenger’s side.

“When I got to come on against Egypt, I saw the love they have for the game,” Iwobi told ESPN Brasil. They just shouted ‘Arsenal’.

Arsene Wenger's young guns 8 show all Arsene Wenger's young guns 1/8 Alex Iwobi Now a regular in Arsenal's first team, Iwobi was thrown in at the deep end by Wenger, who has spoken of his pride in the progression of yet another young star, when he turned to the Nigerian youngster for a trip to Barcelona. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images 2/8 Jeff Reine-Adelaide A cult icon at the Emirates already, 'The Jeff' only turned 19 in January but is already a regular in the Under-21 side and has made several cameos for the full side, none more impressive than his pre-season display in an Emirates Cup win over Wolfsburg. 3/8 Ainsley Maitland-Niles A regular in Arsenal's league and cup sides, Maitland-Niles has reaped the benefits of a season on loan at Ipswich and seems to have the physicality required to thrive in England's top tier. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 4/8 Krystian Bielik Signed for £2.5million in January 2015 Bielik has captained Arsenal's youth sides and was one of the few players to emerge from the debacle that was the 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday with any credit. 5/8 Julio Pleguezuelo A cultured centre-half who traded in the Barcelona youth setup for Colney, his progress has been disrupted by injuries but he has the backing of Hector Bellerin in his bid for success at Arsenal. 6/8 Chris Willock An England youth-international the 18-year-old has been on Wenger's radar for two years after playing in a first-team friendly at just 16. Made further appearances for the first team during the summer tour of Singapore, impressing in a wide role. 7/8 Reiss Nelson A direct-running, energetic forward capable of playing across the frontline, Nelson has leapfrogged several of his rivals in the Arsenal U23 setup and looks increasingly likely to be a familiar face in Wenger's matchday squads. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 8/8 Stephy Mavididi A brutal knee injury on loan at Charlton slowed Mavididi's progress but the young striker had already won a host of admirers in League One, where his vibrant style of play seemed a cut above many others. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 1/8 Alex Iwobi Now a regular in Arsenal's first team, Iwobi was thrown in at the deep end by Wenger, who has spoken of his pride in the progression of yet another young star, when he turned to the Nigerian youngster for a trip to Barcelona. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images 2/8 Jeff Reine-Adelaide A cult icon at the Emirates already, 'The Jeff' only turned 19 in January but is already a regular in the Under-21 side and has made several cameos for the full side, none more impressive than his pre-season display in an Emirates Cup win over Wolfsburg. 3/8 Ainsley Maitland-Niles A regular in Arsenal's league and cup sides, Maitland-Niles has reaped the benefits of a season on loan at Ipswich and seems to have the physicality required to thrive in England's top tier. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 4/8 Krystian Bielik Signed for £2.5million in January 2015 Bielik has captained Arsenal's youth sides and was one of the few players to emerge from the debacle that was the 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday with any credit. 5/8 Julio Pleguezuelo A cultured centre-half who traded in the Barcelona youth setup for Colney, his progress has been disrupted by injuries but he has the backing of Hector Bellerin in his bid for success at Arsenal. 6/8 Chris Willock An England youth-international the 18-year-old has been on Wenger's radar for two years after playing in a first-team friendly at just 16. Made further appearances for the first team during the summer tour of Singapore, impressing in a wide role. 7/8 Reiss Nelson A direct-running, energetic forward capable of playing across the frontline, Nelson has leapfrogged several of his rivals in the Arsenal U23 setup and looks increasingly likely to be a familiar face in Wenger's matchday squads. Arsenal FC via Getty Images 8/8 Stephy Mavididi A brutal knee injury on loan at Charlton slowed Mavididi's progress but the young striker had already won a host of admirers in League One, where his vibrant style of play seemed a cut above many others. Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“Even though they knew my name, they just shouted Arsenal when I was coming on to the pitch, it was actually funny.

“It’s amazing the support they have for the club. They’re all very passionate for football and their favourite league is definitely the Premier League.”

Iwobi was the subject of a last-minute tussle between the Football Association and the Nigerian FA over his senior international future, with the Arsenal winger having represented England at youth level but opting to represent the country of his birth.

That will allow him to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha, one of the 1996 gold medal-winning side at the Atlanta Olympics. And it is little surprise that the 20-year-old holds his relative in such high regard.

“He was a big figure in Africa, as well in Nigeria,” Iwobi added. “He’s always been my idol.

“He doesn’t only help me on the pitch, he also helps me off the pitch, which is a key thing for me.”