Everton forward Alex Iwobi has raised eyebrows with an Instagram post following his selection for Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho later this month.
Iwobi, who has been selected in a variety of positions by Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti this season, posted an Instagram story starting with an image of him playing for Everton, some of his highlights playing for his country - and then the pointed message: "Always an honour to get a call up to my National Team. Hopefully I get to play in my preferred position."
It is not clear whether the message was aimed at his national team boss or his club manager.
Iwobi's versatility has proved useful to Ancelotti this season.
In the space of three weeks in November and December he played right wing-back, left wing-back, right back and right wing. He has also played wide on the left in an advanced role
When Iwobi featured for his country in back to back friendlies against Tunisia and Algeria in October he played in a front three, although it is believed he prefers to operate as a number 10.
He has made 29 appearances for the Blues this season but has been substituted in each of his last six starts - on the last two occasions before the hour mark.
Nigeria lead the Afcon 22 Group L table with eight points and a win over the Republic of Benin or Lesotho will seal their place at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The Super Eagles will slug it out against the Squirrels (Benin) at Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo on March 27 before facing the Crocodiles (Lesotho) three days later at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Galatasaray’s one time Everton striker Henry Onyekuru has been named on the standby list for Nigeria.
