Iwobi Joins Elite Centurions Club
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi recently became only the fourth player in history to earn 100 caps for the Nigeria national team. The milestone came during a 2-1 friendly defeat against Portugal.
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, who was the country's first player to reach 100 caps, believes the 30 year old midfielder has plenty of time to set a new record. Ahmed Musa currently holds the record with 110 appearances, but Yobo thinks Iwobi can easily push past that mark.
Yobo stated that he would not be surprised to see Iwobi reach 130 or more appearances because he is still very active and performing at the highest level. He praised Iwobi's professional mindset and commitment to the national team.
The Formula for International Longevity
Reaching a century of appearances for Nigeria is a rare feat, previously achieved only by Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, and Ahmed Musa. According to Yobo, staying in the national team for over a decade requires immense discipline and a constant drive to fend off competition.
Yobo explained that players must maintain high standards because football is highly competitive. During his own career, Yobo faced pressure from European clubs who did not want players to travel for international duty, especially during the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Yobo always chose to play for his country regardless of the circumstances.
Iwobi has shown a similar dedication since making his debut in October 2015 against DR Congo. He has played in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2018 World Cup, where his famous goal against Zambia secured Nigeria's qualification. Iwobi admitted that reaching 100 caps was not easy, saying, "A hundred caps for Nigeria is not easy, but I am grateful to say I am one of four to have made it here."
More Milestones on the Horizon
Iwobi is in the squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, giving him an immediate chance to add to his 100 caps.
He might soon be joined in the centurions club by Moses Simon. The Paris FC forward currently sits on 99 appearances and is also in the squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
Yobo believes that reaching 100 caps is a massive achievement that deserves formal recognition from the Nigeria Football Federation. He suggested that the federation should honour these players at home games to show younger players what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
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