Sports

EPL Appearance: Iwobi Sets Record As Joint-highest Nigerian Player

Published

3 weeks ago

October 4, 2025

Alex Iwobi has written his name into the history books as the joint-highest Nigerian appearance maker in Premier League history, equalling Shola Ameobi’s record of 298 matches when he started for Fulham against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night.

The Super Eagles midfielder’s milestone comes just two days after his club celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary with a vibrant gathering at their Motspur Park training ground on Wednesday, where Fulham wore green jerseys to mark the occasion.

Iwobi, who began his Premier League journey at Arsenal before stints at Everton and now Fulham, has been a consistent performer in England’s top flight since making his debut. His achievement places him level with Newcastle United legend Ameobi, who set the record during his 14-year career with the Magpies and a brief spell at Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old is now the only active Nigerian player in the race for the all-time appearance record, with the next closest players, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, having departed the Premier League before the start of the 2025/26 season.

Fulham’s decision to wear bright green jerseys on Friday was part of their Independence Day celebrations, with the club’s official X account posting on Tuesday, “All in green on Friday.”

The celebration at Motspur Park earlier in the week featured Nigerian-themed decorations, music from artists including P-Square, Tekno and Fido, and saw Iwobi joined by club and national team-mates Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, along with team-mates such as Mali international Adama Traore.

Iwobi has carved out a reputation for his adaptability and work ethic since arriving at Craven Cottage, where he has become an integral part of Silva’s plans. His progression from a creative winger at Arsenal to a more complete midfielder has been marked by consistent performances across multiple positions.

Behind Iwobi and Ameobi in the all-time Nigerian Premier League appearances list is the legendary Nwankwo Kanu with 273 appearances for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth, while prolific striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is fourth with 252 matches.

John Obi Mikel, who won multiple trophies with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, rounds out the top five with 249 appearances.

Iwobi’s achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency in one of the world’s most demanding leagues, and he now has the opportunity to stand alone as Nigeria’s most-capped Premier League player when he makes his next appearance for the Cottagers.

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

6 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

6 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.