He’s better known as a Premier League and international footballer, but Alex Iwobi wants his music – as well as his on-pitch exploits – to inspire young people.
After starting his rap career earlier this year, the Fulham and Nigeria midfielder has released his second single, titled What’s Luv?.
Iwobi’s debut offering was Don’t Shoot in June, which has been streamed almost 60,000 times on Spotify.
The 28-year-old, who goes by the name ’17’, collaborated with his former Arsenal team-mate Chuba Akpom (performing as Skoli) and former England youth international Medy Elito (Don-EE) for his first release.
Advertisement
Iwobi’s debut song was aimed at deterring youngsters from street violence, while his latest release is a “celebration of his African roots”.
“Growing up in an area of London that is challenging for some people, I know how hard it can be and I’m grateful to have a platform to try and make a difference,” Iwobi said.
“I hope that my music is another way of proving that young people do not have to feel they have to fit in just one box. I want them to be encouraged to achieve their dreams, to put their focus into positive things.”
Iwobi has started all nine Premier League matches for Marco Silva’s Fulham this season and scored his second goal of the campaign in a 1-1 draw against his old club Everton last week.
Advertisement
“Creating music doesn’t take anything away from my football, it helps me switch off. I will always work hard and try to improve in my sport, but this is a good use of my spare time,” he said.
UFC returns this weekend with a Fight Night event in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which features two very important flyweight bouts.
On the men’s side, former champion Brandon Moreno returns from a short break from MMA to welcome Amir Albazi back to competition after a series of surgeries. On the women’s side, ex-UFC strawweight titleholder Rose Namajunas looks to extend her winning streak by taking on young contender Erin Blanchfield.
Who will leave UFC Fight Night 246 with their hands raised? Could the respective winners in each flyweight bout potentially get the next shot at the title in their divisions?
Advertisement
MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom, Danny Segura, and host “Gorgeous” George preview the main and co-main event of UFC Fight Night 246 and look at the potential upside for the winners of Saturday’s card.
Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.
“Spinning Back Clique” is released each Monday LIVE on MMA Junkie’s YouTube channel at noon ET. You can also find each episode on your favorite podcast platforms – including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more – on Tuesday mornings.
Advertisement
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has been granted residency in Hong Kong – and he may move there full-time when his snooker career is over.
The Rocket, who has maybe another 4-5 years left in the pro sphere, spends a lot of time in Asia – where he is a huge celebrity – for ranking tournaments and lucrative exhibitions.
3
Ronnie O’Sullivan is a huge star in AsiaCredit: Getty
3
Advertisement
The Rocket has been granted residency in Hong KongCredit: AFP
This week the Hong Kong Immigration Department awarded the seven-time world champion residency in the county under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
According to his camp, this change in status could result in more rights in the future as a citizen and hopefully make travel there much easier from the UK.
O’Sullivan, who turns 49 next month, said: “Obviously, I love Macau, Hong Kong, and China.
“All these countries (and regions) have been very, very good to me over the years, and I have a lot of love for these places.”
Advertisement
Speaking at a press conference for the Macau Snooker Masters – which opens on Christmas Day – the world No.5 disclosed he had initiated the residency application process several months ago.
He said: “I probably do about 70 per cent of my work in China and Asia now.
“I have to make a life here. I have to make a home.
“If you work a long time in a certain place you need to make it as comfortable as possible.”
The Rocket recently opened an academy in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
O’Sullivan – who this year opened an academy in his name in Saudi Arabia following a multi-million pound deal – is looking to expand his brand across the globe, especially in gambling city Macau.
He said: “Hong Kong is just the start for me.
Advertisement
Ronnie O’Sullivan shows off his driving skills in Top Gear
“I know some people in Hong Kong and they said: ‘We want to try and make this possible for you.’
“Maybe Macau will be the next one because obviously I have some friends in Macau that are saying it’s a good idea to do something in Macau as well.
“Now that I have the ID card, it will be much easier to come and stay for longer periods.
“The plan is to spend more time here, and then maybe in four, five, or six years, I’ll move here for good. I think snooker is a very popular sport in Asia.”
Advertisement
Early on Sunday, O’Sullivan faces 2022 women’s world champion Mink Nutcharut in a heldover qualifier in the International Championship in Nanjing.
November is a busy month for the famous potter because he is due to play in the Champion of Champions in Bolton and then there is the UK Championship in York.
Inside Ronnie’s colourful career
FROM his lightning breaks to blasts at officials, Ronnie O’Sullivan has fired snooker into the spotlight.
“When I was a kid, when I was a little boy, I always wanted to be a dinosaur. I wanted to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex more than anything in the world” pic.twitter.com/H0JrtcQF1v
Keyshawn Johnson dives into the challenges facing C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans as they deal with a wave of injuries. He discusses Stroud’s potential to lead the team through this tough stretch and what it will take for him to rise to the occasion.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login