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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi after he reached a significant milestone in the English Premier League, equalling Mohamed Salah as the joint-second most-featured African player in the competition’s history.
Iwobi achieved the landmark after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday, taking his Premier League appearances to 328.
The 30-year-old Nigerian has maintained a consistent presence in English football since making his senior debut for Arsenal, going on to represent Everton and Fulham in the top flight.
His latest achievement places him alongside Egypt international Salah, who has also made 328 Premier League appearances, according to the figures cited in the report.
Reacting to the milestone, the NFF praised Iwobi’s accomplishment and expressed optimism that he would eventually become the African player with the most appearances in the history of the competition.
In a statement, the federation’s acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, described the achievement as worthy of celebration and wished the midfielder greater success in his career.
“The NFF celebrates Alex Iwobi for this new achievement and we wish him even greater glory. We will be very happy to see him become the African with the most appearances in the Premier League in the near future,” Ikpeme said.
Iwobi closes in on Kolo Touré’s record
With 328 appearances, Iwobi is now within reach of the record held by former Ivory Coast international Kolo Touré, who made 353 Premier League appearances during his career.
Touré featured for Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the most recognisable African defenders in English football.
Iwobi needs 26 additional appearances to equal Touré’s tally of 353 and 27 to surpass it, potentially becoming the African player with the most appearances in the competition.
The milestone would represent another significant achievement for the Nigerian international, whose career has spanned several seasons at the highest level of English domestic football.
His continued involvement in the Premier League has also highlighted his durability and ability to adapt to different teams and tactical systems.
From Arsenal academy to Fulham regular
Iwobi began his professional career at Arsenal, where he progressed through the club’s youth system before breaking into the senior team.
His performances at the North London club earned him opportunities in the Premier League, where he developed into a versatile attacking player capable of operating across several positions.
In 2019, he moved to Everton in search of regular first-team football and continued to build his experience in the English top flight.
He subsequently joined Fulham, where he has remained part of the club’s Premier League campaign.
His ability to contribute in midfield and attacking positions has made him a valuable option, while his experience has helped him maintain a place in the competitive English league.
Iwobi’s latest milestone reflects the longevity of his career, having continued to feature in the Premier League since his early years at Arsenal.
Nigerian international continues to make history
Beyond his club career, Iwobi has remained an important figure for Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
He has represented the country in major international competitions and has continued to contribute to the national team’s midfield and attacking play.
His achievement also adds to the growing list of African footballers who have established long-term careers in the Premier League, one of the most competitive domestic leagues in world football.
The NFF’s message of congratulations reflects the importance of the milestone to Nigerian football, particularly as Iwobi approaches the record set by Touré.
With 328 appearances already recorded, the midfielder will have the opportunity to close the gap further as Fulham continue their Premier League campaign.
Iwobi’s immediate target will be to maintain his involvement for Fulham and move closer to surpassing Touré’s total, which would place him at the top of the list of African players with the most appearances in the competition.
For now, his achievement places him alongside Salah and underlines his sustained presence in English football, as he pursues a record that would further cement his place among Africa’s most experienced Premier League players.
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