Sports

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

Published

3 months 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

AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.