Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed gratitude to Nigerians around the world as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.
Key Highlight:
Key Points
- Alex Iwobi is set to make his 100th appearance for Nigeria in Wednesday’s friendly against Portugal.
- The Fulham midfielder expressed pride in representing Nigeria and said he has no regrets choosing the Super Eagles over England.
- Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria in October 2015 and will reach the milestone after more than a decade of international service.
- He described his winning goal against Zambia in 2017, which secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as his most memorable moment in national colours.
- Iwobi has represented Nigeria at four AFCON tournaments, winning silver in 2023 and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025, while also featuring at the 2018 World Cup.
- His father, Chuka Iwobi, praised his commitment and patriotism, describing the 100-cap milestone as the result of an incredible journey.
The Fulham star, who is set to join the exclusive list of Nigerian centurions, described the milestone as a proud moment in his football career and reaffirmed his commitment to the national team.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” Iwobi said.
The midfielder made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Visé, Belgium, on October 8, 2015.
More than 10 years later, he is poised to reach the century mark in another friendly fixture on European soil.
Iwobi revealed that despite representing England at youth level, he always felt a strong connection to Nigeria.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home. My father always told me to enjoy my football and make the decision that felt right for me,” he said.
Reflecting on the milestone, the 30-year-old remained humble about his achievements.
“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I can add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”
Iwobi identified his winning goal against Zambia national football team in Uyo in October 2017, which secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as his most memorable moment in national colours.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he recalled.
Although he admitted he would have loved to win the Africa Cup of Nations title and feature at another FIFA World Cup, Iwobi said he has no regrets about his international career.
His father, Chuka Iwobi, praised his son’s dedication and patriotism, describing the 100-cap milestone as the culmination of an incredible journey.
“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given. When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing journey that would lead to him achieving a hundred caps, with the potential of many more to come,” he said.
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According to him, Alex has consistently demonstrated commitment and passion whenever he wears the green-and-white jersey despite the highs and lows of international football.
Iwobi has represented Nigeria at four AFCON tournaments, winning silver at the 2023 edition and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025.
He was also part of the Super Eagles squad that featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Wednesday’s friendly against Portugal will not only serve as preparation for future competitions but also provide a fitting stage for one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers to celebrate a remarkable century of appearances for the three-time African champions.
