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Alex Iwobi outdoes Kanu, Mikel, breaks Premier League record in Fulham’s loss to Arsenal

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Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi became the Nigerian with the most number of Premier League appearances after he played for Fulham against Arsenal on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Iwobi has had a decent career, and he has been enjoying life at Craven Cottage since joining the club from Everton in January 2023.

He has beem a regular under coach Marco Silva, as he has consistently delivered the goods.

Alex Iwobi and manager Marco Silva during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Fulham FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo credit: imago)

On Saturday, the 29-year-old started for the Cottagers, when they welcomed league favourites, Arsenal to Craven Cottage. The Super Eagles star played all 90 minutes for Fulham, but he could not prevent them from suffering a 1-0 loss to the Gunners.

But despite the loss, Iwobi made history, as it was his 299th Premier League game, which made the him the Nigerian with the most appearances in the competition.

Before the international break, he was joint-top with Shola Ameobi on 298, but his appearance against Arsenal made him the undisputed first.

Shola Ameobi rues a missed chance on goal - Barclays Premier League - Newcastle United vs FC Reading - St. James Park - Newcastle
Shola Ameobi rues a missed chance on goal – Barclays Premier League – Newcastle United vs FC Reading – St. James Park – Newcastle. Picture credit: Richard Lee/Sportimage

Iwobi has been playing in the Premier League since the 2015/16 season, when he got promoted from the Arsenal academy to the senior team.

After Alex Iwobi, Who Are The Other Nigerians in The Top Five?

After Alex Iwobi and Shola Ameobi in first and second, former Arsenal man Kanu Nwankwo is third with 273 appearances.

Then, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who is the highest-scoring Nigerian in the Premier League, is fourth with 252 appearances. Chelsea legend Mikel Obi is fifth on the list, with 249 appearances.

Iwobi is 29 already, but he looks like he still has a some good years left in him. Given how long he has been playing in the Premier League, it will be really difficult for any other Nigerian player to match his record anytime soon.