Alex Iwobi overtakes Kanu and Lawal to become Nigeria’s fifth most-capped player

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has etched his name further into Nigerian football history after overtaking Nwankwo Kanu and Muda Lawal to become the country’s fifth most-capped player.

The 28-year-old reached the milestone in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, where he earned his 87th international appearance.

Iwobi had drawn level with the Nigerian legends during the Super Eagles’ narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, a result that kept the three-time African champions firmly in the qualification race.

His latest outing, however, pushed him ahead of Kanu, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, and Lawal, one of the most revered midfielders in the nation’s history.

Born in Lagos but raised in England, Iwobi represented the Three Lions at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2015.

He made his senior debut that October in a friendly against DR Congo in Belgium, replacing Ahmed Musa in the second half. Since then, he has become a consistent figure in the national setup, featuring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including Nigeria’s runners-up finish at Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The former Arsenal prodigy has scored ten goals for Nigeria, opening his international account in October 2016 during a World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Ndola.

Despite admitting it was a difficult choice to reject England, Iwobi has often spoken of his pride in wearing the green and white, acknowledging the overwhelming passion Nigerian supporters have shown him.

Iwobi, nephew of legendary playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha, is also closing in on another record. He is four caps away from matching John Obi Mikel’s tally of 91, while Nigeria’s all-time appearance record is held by Ahmed Musa, who has amassed 111.

At his current trajectory, Iwobi could yet become Nigeria’s most-capped Premier League player and among the most decorated internationals in Super Eagles history.