Alex Iwobi and father grateful for Nigeria opportunity ahead of milestone game

On the eve of a career-defining achievement, Alex Iwobi took a moment to acknowledge those who have walked every step of the journey with him.

The Fulham midfielder offered a sincere thank you to Nigerians across the globe for their steadfast backing during a decade-long international career that now stands on the brink of history.

“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Portugal in Leiria.

“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.”

At 30 years old, the former Arsenal and Everton playmaker is preparing to become just the fourth Nigerian footballer ever to reach a century of senior caps, joining an elite brotherhood that includes Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa.

Choosing home over England’s youth ranks

Iwobi’s route to this landmark was never a straight line. He donned England colours at junior level before facing a career-shaping dilemma about where his international loyalties truly lay.

“I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home,” he explained. “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.”

That fateful decision was made official on 8 October 2015, when he stepped onto the pitch for a friendly against DR Congo in Belgium. Now, ten years and eight months later, he prepares to toast an extraordinary milestone in another European friendly.

The Zambia strike that sealed Russia 2018

Among his 24 goals for the national team, one holds a special place in both his memory and Nigerian football folklore. Iwobi describes his winning effort against Zambia in Uyo, October 2017, as the most treasured moment of his international career.

That emphatic strike punched Nigeria’s ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia – but for Iwobi, the occasion carried far deeper meaning.

“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all. We celebrated together afterwards,” he recalled.

A decorated tournament warrior

The versatile midfielder has become an ever-present figure through Nigeria’s recent footballing story. He has competed in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning silver at the 2023 edition and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He also flew the green-and-white flag at the 2018 World Cup.

‘Alex loves playing for the nation’ – a father’s pride

Chuka Iwobi, a barrister and former footballer himself, expressed the family’s deep emotions to thenff.com about his son’s remarkable achievement.

“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 and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come.

“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.”

Wednesday’s friendly offers Iwobi another stage to carve his name deeper into Nigerian football lore – a full century of caps, a lifetime without a single regret.