Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi is poised to reach a major milestone in his international career as he prepares to earn his 100th cap for Nigeria when the Super Eagles face Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria.
The 29-year-old midfielder is set to become one of the select group of Nigerian players to reach the century mark for the national team, nearly 11 years after making his senior debut.
Reflecting on the achievement, Iwobi described the milestone as a proud moment but insisted he does not yet consider himself a legend of Nigerian football.
“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,” he said.
Looking back on his international career, Iwobi identified his decisive goal against Zambia in October 2017 as his most cherished moment in national colours.
The strike, scored at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Recalling the occasion, the midfielder said the moment was made even more special because his parents witnessed it from the stands.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he recalled.
Before committing his future to Nigeria, Iwobi represented England at youth level. However, after attending camp with Nigeria’s U-23 team, he became convinced that his international future belonged with the country of his heritage.
“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 go out there and enjoy my football and make the decision that I felt was good for me,” he said.
Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria on October 8, 2015, in a friendly match against DR Congo in Belgium. Since then, he has established himself as one of the Super Eagles’ most consistent performers.
Expressing gratitude for his journey with the national team, he said he remains proud of his decision to represent Nigeria.
“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,” he stated.
Despite reaching the landmark appearance milestone, Iwobi admitted there are still major ambitions he hopes to achieve with the Super Eagles.
“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 in a few days’ time, but no regrets,” he added.
His father, Barrister Chuka Iwobi, also expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments, thanking Nigeria for the opportunity given to him.
According to him, the family never imagined that Alex’s debut in 2015 would mark the beginning of a journey that would lead to 100 international appearances.
“Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white,” he said.
He acknowledged that the midfielder’s international career has included both successes and disappointments but noted that those experiences have helped shape him into a stronger player.
“There have been highs and lows over the years, but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country. We pray that he continues to excel and that the Super Eagles are able to repay the fans for their love and support,” he added.
Since his debut, Iwobi has represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning silver in 2023 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, cementing his place among the country’s most experienced international players.
