Alex Iwobi Sets New Record for Most Premier League Appearances by a Nigerian Player
Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi is on the verge of making history in the Premier League. The 29-year-old midfielder is set to become the Nigerian player with the most appearances in the league’s history.
Record-Setting Journey
Born in Lagos in 1996, Iwobi moved to England with his family at the age of four. He joined the Arsenal academy in 2004 and debuted for the senior team in 2015, quickly establishing himself as a key player.
After successfully playing for Arsenal, Iwobi transferred to Everton for an initial fee of £28 million ($35.8 million). He made a name for himself as a versatile midfielder, contributing significantly during his 123 appearances for the club.
In 2023, he transitioned to Fulham in a deal worth £22 million ($26.8 million). At Fulham, Iwobi has flourished in a more creative role, racking up impressive statistics.
Upcoming Milestones
As of now, Iwobi has made 298 Premier League appearances. Should he take the field against Arsenal on October 18, he will surpass Shola Ameobi’s record of 298 appearances. Furthermore, he could become the first Nigerian player to reach 300 appearances against Newcastle United on October 25.
Nigerians in the Premier League
The following is a list of Nigerian players with the most Premier League appearances:
| Player | PL Apps | Years Active | Clubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Iwobi | 299* | 2015-Present | Arsenal (100), Everton (123), Fulham (75) |
| Shola Ameobi | 298 | 2000-2015 | Newcastle United (295), Crystal Palace (3) |
| Nwankwo Kanu | 273 | 1998-2010 | Arsenal (119), West Brom (52), Portsmouth (100) |
| Yakubu Ayegbeni | 252 | 2003-2012 | Portsmouth (67), Middlesbrough (73), Everton (82), Blackburn Rovers (30) |
| John Obi Mikel | 249 | 2006-2016 | Chelsea (249) |
International Career
Initially eligible to play for England, Iwobi ultimately chose to represent Nigeria. He made his senior debut in 2015 and has since accumulated 87 caps, scoring 10 goals.
As Iwobi approaches this significant milestone, fans eagerly await his achievements both at Fulham and with the Nigerian national team.
