Centurion-to-be Iwobi Excited Ahead Of 100th Cap For Nigeria

 AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE

Ace midfielder Alexander Iwobi has expressed immense gratitude to Nigeria and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for the show of love and support in his international journey with the Super Eagles, as he looks forward to his 100^th cap for Nigeria when the Eagles take on Portugal in Leiria on Wednesday.

 

“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.”

 

The quiet playmaker made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium on 8^th October 2015. It is 128 months after, and he is making his 100^th appearance in another friendly match, also in Europe.

 

“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was 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.

 

“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 100^th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I can add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”

 

Iwobi picks his goal against Zambia’s Chipolopolo, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in October 2017, which qualified Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as his most memorable moment with the three-time African champions.

 

“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment.

 

“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.”

 

Iwobi’s father, Barr. Chuka Iwobi, himself an ex-footballer, told thenff.com that the family is incredibly proud of Alex’s achievements in the green-and-white.

 

“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.”

 

Alex Iwobi has featured at four Africa Cup of Nations finals for Nigeria, winning silver (2023) and bronze (2019 and 2025) medals, and also played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.