When Alex Iwobi debuted for Nigeria in a friendly encounter against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium in October 2015, little did he know it was the beginning of what would later become a monumental career in the Super Eagles colours. On Wednesday, in Leiria, Portugal, the Hale End Academy product earned his 100th cap for Nigeria in an international friendly against Portugal, thereby becoming just the fourth Nigerian to achieve such feat after Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa. This report takes a retrospective glance at how it all began
Alex Iwobi on Wednesday in Lieira joined Jospeh Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa as one of only four Nigerians to have played a hundred games for the national team when he played the full 90 minutes in an international friendly encounter against Portugal.
He received a commemorative plaque bearing the number 100, to mark the milestone, from the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who was in Portugal to make the presentation before kick-off.
The former Arsenal man who only switched allegiance to Nigeria after he had initially represented England at different age-grade levels, however says he has no regrets on his decision to don the green-and-white in his senior international career, despite missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and never winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said in remarks shared by the Nigeria Football Federation. “I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.
“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days’ time, but no regrets.” (It kicked off on Thursday).
The 30-year-old added that the decision was made after spending time at both England and Nigeria youth camps and in consultation with his family, including his famous uncle and Nigeria legend, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, but made it clear the final decision was his to make.
Iwobi said of Okocha: “He always said go and do what’s right, go and enjoy your football. Of course he’s a Nigerian legend and the advice I got from my parents and from him was that before you take a decision on where you want to play, give Nigeria a try and see how you feel.
“So I actually went to the under 23s and experienced it for myself and I felt a lot like I’m at home. No disrespect to England because I had a good time there but Nigeria is where my heart is. So yeah, he did influence me a bit, but at the end of the day, it was ultimately my decision.”
Iwobi made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium in October of 2015. He has gone on to appear at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning silver in 2023 and bronze in 2019 and 2025, and played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
He would have reached the hundredth milestone against Poland in Warsaw on June 3, but was serving a suspension after receiving a red card in Nigeria’s 2-2 friendly draw against Jordan in March in Antalya, Turkey.
He was sent off for retaliation after a foul by Jordanian defender Amer Jamous for only his second dismissal in a Nigeria shirt.
Iwobi subsequently apologised on his Alexander Yaa Digg podcast: “I need to address what I did and apologise to all my Nigerian teammates, staff, and everyone who cares about Nigeria.
“My actions were not good enough, and I got sent off. I want to apologise for the mistake.”
Nigeria drew 2-2 with Poland in Warsaw in Iwobi’s absence before travelling to Portugal.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Iwobi described his most memorable moment in green-and-white as the goal he scored against Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in October 2017, which sent Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He said: “It’s not because of the stakes, although it sent us to the World Cup, but simply because my parents were in the stadium. Being able to celebrate with my mum and my dad was an amazing feeling. That’s who I do it for.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards.”
The 30-year-old said the milestone had prompted reflection on a career defined by loyalty to the green-and-white.
“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I can add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”
“It’s been an honour to represent. But seriously I am just happy to make a hundred appearances for my country.
“In a nation like Nigeria, it’s a big achievement because we have so many talented players. I appreciate the players I’ve played with, the coaches that have called me up, the staff. I am proud to be where I am today.”
In his reaction, his father Chuka Iwobi, himself an ex-footballer, told the NFF that the family is incredibly proud of Alex’s achievements in Nigerian colours.
Chuka said: “We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given. When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come.
“Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white.
“There have been highs and lows over the years but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country. We pray that he continues to excel and that the Super Eagles are able to repay the fans for their love and support.”
Iwobi, who represented England at youth level before committing to Nigeria, said his father played a central role in that decision without pressuring him.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision but he didn’t force it down on me. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.”
How far Iwobi can carry on remains to be seen, but from his passion, commitment and enthusiasm for the senior national team, its just a matter of time before he erase Musa’s 111 appearances record of the most capped Super Eagles player.
