Alex Iwobi is set to etch his name into Nigerian football history when he features against Portugal in Leiria on Wednesday, becoming only the fourth player to earn 100 caps for the Super Eagles.
The Fulham midfielder will join an elite group made up of Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa — the only Nigerians to have reached the century mark in international appearances.
Yobo: The Pioneer
Joseph Yobo became the first Nigerian footballer to reach 100 international appearances, establishing himself as one of the country’s most dependable defenders during a 13-year career with the national team.
Making his debut in 2001, the Rivers State-born centre-back represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He captained the Super Eagles to their third AFCON title in South Africa in 2013 and earned his 100th cap during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before retiring from international football.
Enyeama: The Safe Hands
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama became the second Nigerian to reach the landmark, finishing his international career with 101 appearances.
The former Super Eagles captain enjoyed a distinguished 13-year stint as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, featuring at three FIFA World Cups and six AFCON tournaments. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Enyeama won his 100th cap in March 2015 before bringing his international career to an end later that year.
Musa: Nigeria’s Most Capped Player
Ahmed Musa currently holds the record as Nigeria’s most capped player with 111 appearances.
The winger made his debut in 2010 and went on to enjoy a remarkable 15-year international career. Musa was part of the squad that won the 2013 AFCON title and later helped Nigeria secure bronze at the 2019 tournament and silver at the 2023 edition.
Renowned for his pace and eye for goal, Musa produced one of the most memorable performances by a Nigerian at the World Cup when he scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Iceland at the 2018 tournament in Russia. He retired as the country’s most-capped player.
Iwobi’s Century Moment
Iwobi’s journey to the milestone reflects a decade of commitment to the national team after choosing Nigeria over England, where he represented youth teams.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” Iwobi told NFF Media.
The midfielder revealed that his decision became clear after attending the Nigeria U-23 camp.
“I actually went to the under-23s and experienced it for myself, and I felt a lot like I’m at home. No disrespect to England because I had a good time there, but Nigeria is where my heart is,” he said.
Iwobi made his senior debut against DR Congo in October 2015 and has since become a key figure in the Super Eagles setup. One of his most memorable contributions came in 2017 when he scored the decisive goal against Zambia in Uyo to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of his 100th appearance, the midfielder has recorded 10 goals and eight assists in 99 matches, while helping Nigeria win silver at the 2023 AFCON and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025.
His expected appearance against Portugal will place him among the most decorated servants of Nigerian football and further cement his legacy in the Super Eagles’ history.
