Nigerian midfield ace, Alex Iwobi, has etched his title into the report books, turning into the joint-highest Nigerian look maker in Premier League historical past. The Tremendous Eagles midfielder matched Shola Ameobi’s long-standing report of 298 matches when he began for Fulham in opposition to Bournemouth on the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening.
This milestone got here simply two days after Fulham celebrated Nigeria’s sixty fifth Independence Day anniversary with a vibrant gathering at their Motspur Park coaching floor. Gamers and workers marked the event on Friday with Nigerian-themed decorations, music from artists corresponding to P-Sq., Tekno and Fido, and vibrant inexperienced jerseys.
Fulham’s official X account posted on Tuesday: “Employees and gamers celebrated Nigerian Independence Day at Motspur Park this afternoon.”
Hyperlink to the post on (X)
A Journey of consistency and adaptableness
Iwobi started his Premier League journey at Arsenal, earlier than spells at Everton and now Fulham, steadily constructing a fame as certainly one of Nigeria’s most sturdy and adaptable gamers in England’s prime flight.
His feat attracts him stage with Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi, who amassed his 298 appearances over a 14-year profession with the Magpies and a quick stint at Crystal Palace.
The 28-year-old is now the one lively Nigerian nonetheless within the race for the all-time look report. With Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho leaving the Premier League earlier than the 2025/26 season, Iwobi stands alone with the chance to maneuver clear on the prime when he subsequent seems for the Cottagers.
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The Nigerian Premier League greats
Behind Iwobi and Ameobi on the all-time checklist is the legendary Nwankwo Kanu with 273 appearances for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth. Prolific striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni sits fourth with 252 matches, together with video games in Everton colors, whereas John Obi Mikel, a two-time Premier League champion and Champions League winner with Chelsea, rounds out the highest 5 with 249 appearances.
A Testomony to longevity and affect
Iwobi’s evolution from a artistic winger at Arsenal to a extra full, hard-working midfielder at Fulham underneath Marco Silva highlights his versatility and endurance in one of many world’s most demanding leagues.
Now stage with Ameobi, he has the possibility to face alone as Nigeria’s most-capped Premier League participant together with his very subsequent look; a landmark second for a participant whose quiet consistency has became a legacy.
