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

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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.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures

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.”

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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.

READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal Snatch Late 2-1 Win Against Newcastle

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.

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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.

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EPL: Mikel Obi Reveals Why Chelsea Failed To Beat Arsenal in 1-1 Draw

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Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has claimed Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, because of an early red card to Moises Caicedo.

The two London rivals played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo was sent off in the 38th minute following a VAR check.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

But it was Chelsea who took the lead after the break, thanks to Trevor Chalobah’s header.

But the Gunners equalized through Mikel Merino.

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So far this season, Chelsea have received seven red cards in 20 games across all competitions this season.

READ ALSO:EPL: Alan Smith Names Only Two Clubs To Compete For Title

That’s four red cards this season; it’s not good enough. I’ve spoken about it; the manager needs to talk with the players, because it’s costing us games as well,” Mikel Obi said on his podcast.

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“If you look at that game, if we finished with eleven men, I think we could’ve won. Maybe not easily, but comfortably, we could’ve secured a win.”

 

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EPL: Slot Reveals When Salah Will Leave For AFCON

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Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has revealed that Mohamed Salah was “not happy” to be dropped for their 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Salah was named on the bench at the London Stadium for the Premier League fixture.

Slot took the bold decision, as he looked to arrest a poor run of form, that saw the Reds lose nine of 12 matches.

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READ ALSO:EPL: Berbatov Names Team That Can ‘Surprise’ Arsenal In Title Race

Salah was not summoned from the bench for the entire 90 minutes, as goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealed victory.

It was a normal reaction for a player who is good enough to play for us,” Slot said.

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“I say that mildly as he’s been so outstanding for this club and will be in the future. He wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting but he wasn’t the only one.”

READ ALSO:EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash

Salah could yet return to the starting line-up as Liverpool host Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

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The 33-year-old will remain available for the next four matches, before he leaves to join Egypt’s squad for the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s 15 December,” Slot confirmed.

But always in these situations there is the player and the national team involved and there are always talks about what is best for all three of us.”

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Davido Reacts As Gov Adeleke Dumps PDP

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Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has reacted to the shock resignation of his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The singer kept it short but loaded, posting “Jeje… ” widely interpreted as a subtle message of calmness, quiet movement, or strategic withdrawal as the political storm around the governor intensifies.

Governor Adeleke’s resignation, though only discovered on Monday night was actually tendered on 4 November 2025, ahead of the party’s national convention in Ibadan. His aide, Olawale Rasheed, leaked the letter online, confirming the governor had walked away from the troubled party weeks ago.

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READ ALSO:Gov Adeleke Resigns From PDP

In the letter addressed to his Ward 2 chairman in Ede North, Adeleke cited the unresolved crisis at the PDP national level as the reason for quitting. He appreciated the party for backing his rise as senator and later governor.

The revelation has thrown today’s scheduled Osun 2026 governorship primary into confusion. While the state chapter announced a postponement due to factional firestorms, the National Working Committee insists the primary must hold — even though Adeleke remains the only aspirant who bought the form.

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There is growing speculation that the governor is now eyeing a second term under the Accord Party, which several of his aides are rumoured to have already infiltrated and taken over in Osun.
His earlier attempt to defect to the APC reportedly hit a brick wall, with party leaders rejecting his move.

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