Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has etched his name into English Premier League history, becoming the Nigerian player with the most appearances in the competition after featuring in Fulham’s 1–0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday.
The match at Craven Cottage marked Iwobi’s 299th Premier League appearance, surpassing the previous record held by Newcastle legend Shola Ameobi, who made 298 appearances over his career43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa16205443dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
“It’s a proud moment for me and for Nigeria,” Iwobi said after the game. “To reach this milestone against the club where I started my journey makes it even more special.”
Iwobi, 29, began his professional career at Arsenal, where he played 149 matches before moving to Everton for 140 appearances. He joined Fulham in 2023 and has since made 85 appearances for the Cottagers43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
The top five Nigerian players with the most Premier League appearances now stand as follows:
Player Appearances
Alex Iwobi 299
Shola Ameobi 298
Nwankwo Kanu 273
Yakubu Aiyegbeni 252
John Obi Mikel 249
Sources: 43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa16205443dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa16205443dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054
Iwobi’s record-breaking appearance came nearly a decade after his Premier League debut for Arsenal against Swansea City on 27 October 201543dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054. He is expected to hit the 300-match mark next weekend against Newcastle United — the same club where Ameobi built his legacy.
Beyond club football, Iwobi has also been instrumental in Nigeria’s recent qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, continuing his strong form for both club and country43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
