Alex Iwobi marked his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night in Leiria, becoming only the fourth Nigerian footballer in history to reach the milestone, even though his side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Portugal.
The Fulham midfielder joined one of the most exclusive clubs in Nigerian football history, becoming only the fourth player to earn a century of caps for the three-time African champions. He was handed a special commemorative jersey before kickoff, with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal squad there to see the moment.
Iwobi made his senior debut in a friendly against DR Congo in Belgium in October 2015 and has since played for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He won bronze medals at AFCON 2019 and 2025 and finished second at the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.
His journey to 100 caps is significant to the star. Despite featuring for England at youth level and collecting 11 appearances in age-grade teams, Iwobi chose to represent Nigeria at senior level. Doing that led him to becomie the first player to switch allegiance and still reach 100 caps for the West African nation.
Speaking ahead of the match, Iwobi identified his winning goal against Zambia in Uyo in October 2017, which secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as his most treasured moment in a Super Eagles shirt. “I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards,” he said.
On missing out on the 2026 World Cup, he was characteristically measured. “Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off, but I have no regrets,” he added.
Iwobi now joins three other Nigerian centurions in one of international football’s most exclusive groups. Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama are tied on 101 caps each, while Ahmed Musa remains Nigeria’s all-time leader with 111 appearances before retiring from international football in December 2025.
At 30 and still a regular fixture in Eric Chelle’s squad, Iwobi appears well positioned to challenge Musa’s record before his international career concludes.
By Ezeana Emmanuel
