Sports

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

Published

8 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

UCL Final: Paul Merson Mentions Three Players Who Should Lead Arsenal’s Attack Against PSG

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has mentioned three players that should lead the Gunners’ attack when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Both teams will clash in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday evening.

However, in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson wants the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to lead Arsenal’s attack against Luis Enrique’s side.

“I expect Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to lead the Arsenal attack in this game,” Merson said.

“I like Trossard. He plays in all the big games because he’s such a reliable and good footballer. But I don’t expect Arsenal to open PSG up with this trio. Their real chance is through set-pieces,” he said.

PSG and Arsenal head to the game after eliminating Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, respectively, in the semi-final earlier this month.

Sports

UCL: Paul Merson Tells PSG How To Beat Arsenal In Final

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has told Paris Saint-Germain how to beat Arsenal when both teams clash in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Arsenal will take on PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday night in Budapest.

However, in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson disclosed that if the Parisians want to win Mikel Arteta’s side, they must not allow the Gunners to score the first goal in the encounter.

“If PSG want to win this final, they cannot afford to let Arsenal score the first goal,” Merson said.

“We know how difficult Arsenal can be to break down. Even PSG can play defensive like they did against Bayern in the second leg, but their front-three is just superior to Arsenal.

“Even if Arsenal try, they cannot match PSG’s attack,” he said.

Sports

World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo Tipped To Olay 2030 Tournament

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Former Eric Djemba-Djemba has asserted that Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to participate in the 2030 World Cup.

The Cameroonian emphasized the Portugal captain’s relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

“It would be the ideal conclusion,” the former Manchester United midfielder said as he backed Ronaldo’s ambition to continue playing until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Djemba-Djemba believes that if his former teammate chooses not to retire by 2030, Portugal should certainly include him in their World Cup squad.

He stated on BetVictor via GOAL, “He is driven by a desire to enhance his skills and to compete. I have never encountered a mentality quite like his. If he is still active when the 2030 World Cup takes place in Portugal, I firmly believe he should be included in the team.”

Djemba-Djemba further remarked that it would represent the perfect conclusion to Ronaldo’s career if he were to play in the 2030 World Cup alongside his son before retiring from professional football.

“It would be the perfect finale to his career and a remarkable moment for Portuguese football. And just think if Cristiano Jr. is also present. That would be extraordinary.”

Ronaldo holds the record as the top goalscorer in international men’s football, with 143 goals to his credit.