Nigeria midfielder Alexander Iwobi has expressed gratitude to supporters at home and abroad as he prepares to reach a major milestone in his international career.
The Fulham player is set to make his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles when Nigeria face Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday, becoming one of a select group of players to achieve a century of caps for the national team.
The landmark occasion comes more than 10 years after Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium, on 8 October 2015. Now 30 years old, the midfielder is preparing to mark his 100th appearance in another friendly encounter on European soil.
Ahead of the milestone, Iwobi reflected on his journey with the national team and spoke of his pride at representing Nigeria.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said. “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.”
The midfielder’s comments come after a career in which he has established himself as one of the most recognisable figures in the Super Eagles squad. His century of appearances will further strengthen his place among the most-capped players in Nigerian football history.
Although Iwobi represented England at youth level, he revealed that he always felt a strong connection to Nigeria and ultimately had little doubt over where his international future belonged.
“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,” he said. “My father always told me to enjoy my football and make the decision I felt was right for me. He was part of the decision, but he didn’t force it on me.”
Iwobi also adopted a humble tone when discussing his approaching milestone, choosing not to place himself among the country’s football greats despite reaching 100 caps.
“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.”
Over the course of his international career, Iwobi has experienced a number of memorable moments. Among them, one stands above the rest in his personal recollections.
The midfielder highlighted his goal against Zambia in Uyo in October 2017, a strike that secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“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.
While Iwobi has collected silver and bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations, he acknowledged that there are still achievements he would have liked to add to his career. Nevertheless, he said he remains content with the path his football journey has taken.
“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.”
Throughout his time with the national team, Iwobi has represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He helped the Super Eagles finish runners-up in 2023 and also earned bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He was part of the Nigerian squad that competed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The significance of his upcoming achievement was also recognised by his father, Barrister Chuka Iwobi, who paid tribute to his son’s dedication and commitment to representing Nigeria.
“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given,” he said. “When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing journey that would lead to him achieving a hundred caps, with the potential for many more to come.”
He also praised the midfielder’s attitude and loyalty to the national team over the years.
“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. There have been highs and lows over the years, but he has emerged stronger from the experience.”
Iwobi’s impending 100th appearance represents another significant chapter in a career that has spanned more than a decade in international football. Having made his debut as a young player and gone on to feature at major tournaments for Nigeria, he now joins an elite group of footballers to have reached the century mark for the Super Eagles.
When Nigeria take to the field against Portugal in Leiria, the occasion will not only mark another international fixture but also celebrate the longevity, consistency and contribution of one of the country’s most experienced players. For Iwobi, it will be an opportunity to reflect on a journey that began in Belgium more than 10 years ago and continues to be defined by pride in representing the green-and-white colours of Nigeria.
