Alex Iwobi set for landmark Nigeria appearance

Alex Iwobi is set to make his 90th appearance for the Nigeria national team on Thursday as they take on Gabon in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff for the African region.

89 Super Eagles appearances for @alexiwobi https://t.co/ZAstG1Oo5v pic.twitter.com/wjRKH4xNyX

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 15, 2025

Iwobi, who started as a youth international for England,  switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2015 before making his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo that same year. The 29-year-old has over the years established himself as a key player.

Iwobi is expected to be named in the starting lineup by head coach Eric Chelle in their crucial playoff semifinal as they look to qualify for the World Cup.

An appearance for the Fulham midfielder will make him one amon the most capped Nigerian players following the likes of Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, and Mikel John Obi who have clocked more than ninety caps.

The former Arsenal player was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and featured in all three games as the Super Eagles were knocked out in the group stage.

He then made his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut at Egypt 2019, where the Super Eagles finished third place. Iwobi also played all seven games as Nigeria emerged runners-up at the AFCON 2023 finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

Iwobi is also the most capped Nigerian player in the English Premier League with 302 appearances.

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