Iwobi set for 100th Super Eagles appearance in Portugal clash
Alex Iwobi is set to make his 100th Super Eagles cap in an international friendly against Portugal in Leiria on Wednesday.
The Fulham midfielder made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium on 8th October 2015.
It is 128 months after, and he is making his 100th appearance in another friendly match, also in Europe.
Iwobi has expressed pride at the opportunity to represent Nigeria while appreciating Nigerians for the show of love towards him.
He said: “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.
“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 was part of the decision but he didn’t force it down on me.
Iwobi said he has enjoyed his 10-year stay in the Super Eagles setup while looking forward to earning an historic 100th cap against Portugal.
He added: “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 picked his goal against Zambia’s Chipolopolo, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in October 2017, which qualified Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as his most memorable moment with the three-time African champions.
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He said: “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.
“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.”
Iwobi has featured at four Africa Cup of Nations finals for Nigeria, winning silver (2023) and bronze (2019 and 2025) medals, and also played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.
He has scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists for the Super Eagles in 99 appearances.
In 99 appearances, Iwobi was sent of twice against Tunisia in 2022 and in the match against Jordan in March 2026.
Iwobi will join the likes of Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, and Joseph Yobo in the Super Eagles 100 cap club.
Ahmed Musa is topping the list with 111 appearances followed by Vincent Enyeama on 100 caps while Joseph Yobo occupies the third position with 100 caps.
Breakdown of Alex Iwobi’s 99 Caps For Nigeria
International Friendlies: 33
Africa Cup of Nations: 24
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: 20
World Cup Qualifiers: 19
World Cup: 3
