Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has told the Guardian’s Ed Aarons that the Whites want to qualify for continental competition having come ‘so close to achieving a European spot’ last year.

The Nigerian international gave a wide-ranging interview to Aarons, which has been published in this morning’s edition. Iwobi claims that the most nervous he has been was when he was asked to join Ramz, the British rapper who he has collaborated with on his latest single, for a live performance. The classy midfielder’s composure was suddenly lacking:

“I thought: ‘I’m not sure yet. I’m just not sure yet. But maybe in the near future I might start. I’ve done one live performance which felt a bit weird – there was a live band playing the drums and I literally had to use an instrument, which felt crazy, but I enjoyed it. It’s all about timing.”

The piece also features a discussion of Iwobi’s Project 17 initiative and their annual football tournament, which linked up with the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) to raise both funds and awareness to address the lack of donors in the black community. Iwobi’s competitive edge shines through as he discusses the fact that his team, that included the Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, were beaten by in a penalty shoot-out and failed to make the final.

“I said I was not going to leave my tournament, or the stadium, until we win! Unfortunately, I had to get escorted off because we did not win. It doesn’t matter – well, it kind of does matter who wins – but I’m telling myself it doesn’t! Using my football platform, we also brought ACLT to educate and teach people about people that are going through blood problems or stem cell problems. You never know who’s going through it so it’s just nice to educate people about that as well.”

Iwobi is fresh from appearing in every Premier League fixture last season, scoring nine times and adding six assists, as Fulham beat their best-ever top tier points tally but failed to make the top ten and were beaten in the FA Cup quarter finals by Crystal Palace. He referenced his stellar numbers in that only live musical performance with lines addressing those who have questioned his commitment.

“Comments on the tweets saying ‘stay focused’ and ‘stick to the ball,’ but look at this season, check out the stats, drop a couple tunes and the footie’s on track’.

Iwobi also insists that Marco Silva’s side are targeting continental competition again this year:

“We were so close to achieving a European spot, so it’s another ambition that we want to fulfil”.

He addresses his ambition to go and represent Nigeria in this year’s AFCON, which take place in Morocco, and try to emulate his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha in taking the trophy home.

“It’s not nice for us [to have to choose]. But with all due respect to Fulham, I would like to go to the AFCON.”

The interview concludes with Iwobi reflecting on the fact that he will turn 30 next May.

“No matter age you are, I feel like you have to give 100 per cent. But yeah, I’m kicking on. I’m going to be 30 next season. So, I’m no longer a young kid, but hopefully next season, I’ll make another big statement.”