Idowu was born in St. Petersburg in 1992 and started his youth career in local club Zenit. He has played for the Nigerian national team since November 2017 and has already played in two matches of the World Cup in Russia.

"I saw my parents yesterday. Today I've met my best friend. So I feel the support that my friends are showing me here and [of] people who live in St. Petersburg. I'm excited. Hopefully, I can give back not only to them but to the Nigerian fans, if I get the chance to play tomorrow I will try to do my best," Idowu said.

Nigeria are second in Group D after beating Iceland 2-0 in their second World Cup match and will next face Argentina on Tuesday.