Iwobi Set To Earn 100th Nigeria Cap Against Portugal

Alex Iwobi is poised to reach a historic personal milestone when Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Portugal in an international friendly this Wednesday.

The match, scheduled to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, will mark the Fulham midfielder’s 100th senior appearance for the three-time African champions.

At 30 years old, Iwobi has steadily grown into one of Nigeria’s most reliable and creative forces since his debut in 2015. That first cap came in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo, and nearly 11 years later, he stands on the verge of joining an elite group of Nigerian football legends.

The centurion club for the Super Eagles is a select one. Only a handful of players have ever reached the 100-cap mark, including the country’s all-time leading appearance holder Ahmed Musa, defensive stalwart Joseph Yobo, and legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Iwobi will become the latest name etched alongside them—a testament to his longevity, consistency, and value to the national team.

Iwobi’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Born in Lagos but raised in England, he came through Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy and represented England at youth level before making the decision to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria. That choice, made a decade ago, has since paid dividends for both player and country.

Now a key figure at Fulham following spells at Everton and Arsenal, Iwobi has accumulated his 99 caps through a mix of attacking flair, work rate, and tactical versatility.

Whether deployed on the wing, in central midfield, or as a No. 10, he has consistently delivered for the Super Eagles across multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Wednesday’s friendly against Portugal may not carry the weight of a competitive fixture, but for Iwobi, it will be a night to remember.

Walking onto the pitch in Leiria, he will become just the fourth Nigerian man to reach a century of international appearances—cementing his legacy as one of the true greats of Nigerian football.