Iwobi set to become fourth Nigerian with 100 international caps

Alex Iwobi will reach a historic milestone on Wednesday when he earns his 100th cap for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ friendly against Portugal in Leiria, joining an exclusive club that includes only three other players in the country’s football history.

The Fulham midfielder will become the fourth Nigerian centurion, following in the footsteps of Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, and Ahmed Musa.

Yobo was the first Nigerian to reach 100 appearances, captaining the side at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before retiring with exactly 100 caps. Enyeama, regarded by many as Africa’s greatest goalkeeper, finished with 101 caps and was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Musa holds the record for most appearances with 111 caps, having served the Super Eagles for 15 years and winning the 2013 AFCON title.

Iwobi, who made his senior debut in 2015 after choosing Nigeria over England, has since become one of the team’s most reliable and versatile players. His most memorable moment came in 2017 when his goal against Zambia sent Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup. He has featured at four AFCON tournaments, winning silver in 2023 and bronze in 2019 and 2025.

Ahead of the match, Iwobi said he has no regrets choosing Nigeria, adding that wearing the green-and-white feels like home.