Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has etched his name deeper into Nigerian football history after surpassing two legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Muda Lawal, to become the fifth most-capped player for the Super Eagles.
Iwobi earned his 87th appearance for Nigeria during Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, a match that ended in a tense 1-1 draw and left Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
From England Youth Ranks to Nigerian Icon
Born in Lagos and raised in London, Iwobi initially represented England at youth levels; playing for the U16s, U17s, and U18s. He made the pivotal decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria in 2015.
He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles on October 8, 2015, coming on as a substitute for Ahmed Musa in a friendly against DR Congo in Belgium. Since then, the 28-year-old has become a mainstay in Nigeria’s midfield, appearing in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and featuring in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including Nigeria’s silver-medal run in Côte d’Ivoire last year.
A Career Marked by Consistency and Pride
Iwobi has scored 10 goals for Nigeria, opening his international account in a World Cup qualifier against Zambia in October 2016. Beyond the numbers, he’s known for his creativity, work rate, and leadership on the pitch.
Reflecting on his choice to represent Nigeria, Iwobi has spoken openly about the difficulty of turning down England but remains proud of his decision. “The love Nigeria showed me when I first played for them was incredible. The fans are passionate and loyal, and I’m honored to wear the green and white,” he once shared.
Chasing Even Bigger Records
With 87 caps, Iwobi is closing in on John Obi Mikel’s 91 appearances, while the all-time Super Eagles appearance record remains with Ahmed Musa, who has played 111 times for Nigeria.
Iwobi is also on course to become Nigeria’s most-capped player in Premier League history, further cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most influential footballers.