Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed his aspiration to match and then surpass former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi’s record for most Premier League appearances by a Nigerian, saying he is two matches shy of the mark and that breaking the record would be an honour.
Iwobi reflected on the achievement with humility, acknowledging Ameobi’s contribution to the game while downplaying obsession with the number in day-to-day life.
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“I don’t think of the record in real time, but it comes up in conversations with my family sometimes,” Iwobi said, explaining that while personal milestones are meaningful, his day-to-day focus remains on contributing to team success.
He paid tribute to Ameobi’s longevity and consistency, saying it would be an honour to dethrone a player he described as “a great player during his time.”
Iwobi’s sustained presence in the English top flight has seen him become one of Nigeria’s most prominent representatives in club football, consistently contributing at midfield for Fulham and previously for Everton and Arsenal.
The midfielder expressed gratitude to his family for their role in his career and suggested that breaking the record would be a proud moment for them as much as for him personally. “Records are nice; the real reward is that my family and I have worked hard to get here,” he said.
While Iwobi stressed that he does not dwell on personal statistics, he acknowledged that milestones provide a narrative to reflect on a career’s durability.
“When you reach such numbers, it’s a chance to look back at the work, sacrifices and choices that got you here,” he said, noting that maintaining fitness and form at the highest level requires careful management and professional discipline.
Observers say Iwobi’s potential to eclipse Ameobi’s record underscores his status as a model of consistency for younger Nigerian players: a blend of technical ability, adaptability and professionalism that enables prolonged top-flight participation.
Whether he breaks the record soon or extends his tally across more seasons, Iwobi’s career trajectory continues to set a high standard for Nigerian exports to Europe.
