Premier League: Alex Iwobi set new record

Nigerian footballer, Alex Iwobi, has etched his name in the history books, becoming Nigeria’s all-time appearance leader in the English Premier League after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.

The Super Eagles midfielder made his 299th Premier League outing—surpassing the previous record he jointly held with former Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi.

Iwobi, 28, had drawn level with Ameobi’s 298 appearances when he started for Fulham against Bournemouth earlier this month. His latest appearance moves him clear at the top, cementing his status as Nigeria’s most consistent Premier League performer.

Fittingly, Iwobi’s record-breaking match came nearly 10 years after his league debut for Arsenal against Swansea City on October 27, 2015—bringing his Premier League journey full circle against his former club.

Trailing Iwobi and Ameobi on Nigeria’s all-time Premier League appearances chart is Nwankwo Kanu with 273 games for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth. Yakubu Aiyegbeni follows with 252 appearances, while Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel rounds out the top five on 249.

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Across stints with Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, Iwobi’s 299 appearances highlight his durability and adaptability in one of the world’s toughest leagues. His evolution from a wide attacker at Arsenal to a versatile midfielder has earned him a key role under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

Iwobi’s milestone underscores his work rate and consistency, qualities that have defined his career in England’s top flight. However, his landmark night ended on a bittersweet note as Fulham’s unbeaten home run in the 2025/26 campaign came to an end against a clinical Arsenal side.

Before the defeat, the Cottagers had collected seven points from three home matches—against Brentford, Leeds United, and Manchester United—without conceding a goal. Arsenal’s victory, meanwhile, kept them top of the Premier League table, extending their winning streak to five games in all competitions while maintaining the division’s best defensive record.