Ex-Gunner to earn 100th international cap | OneFootball

Iwobi, who came through Hale End before leaving Arsenal in 2019, says he has no regrets over choosing Nigeria and wants to add another 100 caps.

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Former Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi is in line to win his 100th international cap for Nigeria if he plays against Portugal on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old Fulham midfielder made his Nigeria debut at the end of 2015, appearing in a friendly against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium, on 8 October 2015.

He has since become an important figure for the Super Eagles, reaching 99 appearances before this week’s fixture.

In a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation, Iwobi expressed his gratitude to Nigerians and said he had no regrets over choosing to represent the country.

“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.

“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.”

Iwobi also added he wished Nigeria had won the AFCON and qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

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His career began at Hale End, and he made his senior Arsenal debut in 2015, starting a 3-0 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.

His Premier League debut followed on 31 October 2015 against Swansea City, when he came on as a late substitute for one minute at the age of 19 years and 181 days.

Iwobi also featured in the Champions League later in the 2015-16 season under Arsène Wenger, gaining group-stage minutes after his domestic breakthrough. He went on to make 149 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals and providing 23 assists.

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He left Arsenal for Everton on 8 August 2019 for a fee reported at around £34m to £40m, with Soccerbase listing £34m and Sporting Heroes noting £40m. Sold by Unai Emery, he was just 23 when he left north London.

Iwobi spent four years at Everton, scoring nine goals and providing 17 assists in 140 appearances, before moving to Fulham for just over £20m.

At Fulham, he has surpassed his attacking returns at both Arsenal and Everton, with 19 goals and 11 assists in 110 appearances.

Now, more than a decade after his Nigeria debut, he is one appearance away from a landmark 100th cap.