Fakayejo Paul
Alex Iwobi etched his name further into Nigerian football history yesterday with a stellar performance against West Ham United, despite his team’s 3-2 defeat.
The versatile midfielder scored a brace, showcasing his attacking prowess and contributing significantly to Fulham’s fightback.
More importantly, this milestone saw Iwobi surpass legendary Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu to become the Nigerian player with the second-most Premier League appearances of all time.
With 274 appearances, Iwobi now trails only Shola Ameobi (293) on the list of Nigerians with the most appearances in the English top flight.
Furthermore, Iwobi climbed the ladder of Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorers.
Premier League Appearances:
- Shola Ameobi: 293
- Alex Iwobi: 274
- Nwankwo Kanu: 273
- Aiyegbeni Yakubu: 252
- John Obi Mikel: 249
His two goals against West Ham brought his tally for the Super Eagles to 29, surpassing Obafemi Martins (28 goals) and placing him seventh on the list.
While the result may not have gone Fulham’s way, Iwobi’s individual brilliance and historical achievements provide a significant moment for Nigerian football.
Current Top Nigerian Goalscorers:
- Yakubu: 95 goals
- Kanu: 54 goals
- Efan Ekoku: 52 goals
- Shola Ameobi: 43 goals
- Kelechi Iheanacho: 42 goals
- Peter Odemwingie: 36 goals
- Alex Iwobi: 29 goals
- Obafemi Martins: 28 goals.
This achievement solidifies Iwobi’s status as one of the most successful Nigerian players in Premier League history.