Torino defender Ola Aina has opened up on his relationship with Alex Iwobi, stating they have known each other for a long time, having attended the same primary and secondary schools.

The fathers of the two players also share a close relationship to this day despite Aina moving to Italy to join Torino and Iwobi switching to Liverpool-based Everton on permanent deals last summer.

Aina and Iwobi were England youth internationals before pledging their international futures to the Super Eagles, with the former becoming cap-tied in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier vs Egypt in 2016 and a year later the defender followed suit when he made his senior debut for the three-time African champions in a World Cup qualifier vs Zambia.

Addressing his relationship with Iwobi, Aina said in an Instagram conversation with the Super Eagles Media Team on Thursday : "When I moved closer to East London, Essex that's where I met Alex, thirty seconds I could walk to his house.

"We were in the same primary and secondary school, we have the same set of friends. Alex has been in my life for the majority, that's how we started.

"On the pitch, outside of the pitch the connection is there and it's good for our football, I like to play alongside Alex. He understands how I play, I understand how he plays, so it's good."

Having narrowly missed making the 2018 World Cup roster, Aina has established himself as a key player for the Super Eagles, starting eight of their last eleven matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel