Alex Iwobi, the Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder on Saturday made history by becoming the fourth Nigerian player to achieve 250 Premier League appearances.
His inclusion in Fulham’s starting lineup for the match against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage was a significant moment for the versatile midfielder. Iwobi now joins a prestigious group of Nigerian footballers who have left their mark on Premier League history: Newcastle legend Shola Ameobi (298 appearances), Arsenal and Portsmouth icon Nwankwo Kanu (273 appearances), and former Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni (252 appearances).
27 years old Alex Iwobi embarked on his journey to this milestone back in October 2015, when he made his Premier League debut. Stepping onto the scene for the first time, he came off the bench in stoppage time to replace Mesut Özil in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Though his contribution was brief, it was significant, marking the beginning of his Premier League career.
Since that memorable debut, the Lagos-born midfielder has been a stalwart presence in the Premier League midfield. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated a total of 22 goals, showcasing his skill and dedication on the field.
A detailed analysis of his appearances shows a significant portion spent at Arsenal, where he made 100 appearances. After leaving the Emirates Stadium in 2019, Iwobi moved to Everton, where he featured in 123 Premier League matches.
Last summer, on the final day of the transfer window, he returned to London by joining Fulham, adding another 27 appearances to his tally.
Iwobi’s impact on the field was highlighted during his final season at Goodison Park. He achieved the remarkable feat of starting every Premier League game for Everton, a testament to his manager’s trust in him and his consistent performance in midfield. This accomplishment is reminiscent of fellow Nigerian Joseph Yobo’s feat during the 2006-2007 season.
Beyond Iwobi’s individual achievement, the Premier League landscape is undergoing subtle changes. While the top ten all-time appearance makers are mostly retired legends, four active players remain on the list: Iwobi himself, Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Wilfred Ndidi. This indicates a shift in the league, with a new generation of Nigerian footballers making their mark.
