Fulham star Iwobi tops Nigeria’s active caps chart

Nigeria midfielder  has etched his name in the history of Nigerian football as the most capped active player for the Super Eagles.

The Fulham midfielder made his 81st international appearance last Friday, playing a vital role in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Libya during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The win came amid tough challenges, with the team having to overcome a stalwart Libya defence. The reverse fixture scheduled for Tuesday in Benini was cancelled due to a hostile reception that saw the Eagles suffer a 20-hour ordeal at the Al-Abraq airport.

At just 27 years old, Iwobi has been a consistent presence in the national team, consistently showcasing his alluring skills with utmost dedication.
Iwobi’s achievements reflect a steady rise since he made his debut for Nigeria as a 19-year-old during an international friendly against DR Congo on October 8, 2015, under the guidance of Coach Sunday Oliseh. Since then, the former Arsenal and Everton star has been a mainstay in the team, contributing ten goals and six assists across all competitions.

His first goal for the national team came a year after his debut, a crucial 2-1 victory against Zambia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This marked the beginning of his spiralling influence in Nigeria’s midfield, where his creativity and versatility have been indispensable under various managerial regimes.

Iwobi’s achievement puts him in the elite company of Nigeria’s most capped players. He currently ranks seventh on the all-time list, behind legendary figures such as Ahmed Musa (109 caps), Vincent Enyeama (101 caps), Joseph Yobo (101 caps), Mikel John Obi (91 caps), Nwankwo Kanu (86 caps), and the late Mudashiru Lawal (86 caps).
With 81 caps, Iwobi surpasses his peers, including Moses Simon, who has 73 appearances, and William Troost-Ekong, with 72.
Though Musa remains Nigeria’s most-capped player with 109 appearances, the veteran forward has not featured for the team since the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast and has missed recent call-ups, making Iwobi the leading figure among the active players.

As of now, Iwobi continues to set an example for younger players, balancing his club commitments with Fulham and his national duties with remarkable poise.

Since his debut, Iwobi’s international career has been marked by rapid growth and resilience, which has seen him participate in major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and multiple AFCON competitions, where he has delivered top-class performances.

Over the years, Iwobi has had memorable moments, such as scoring the decisive goal against Zambia, which confirmed Nigeria’s spot in the 2018 World Cup. His technical skills, combined with his ability to adapt to various roles in midfield, have made him an asset to the team.

As Iwobi continues to rack up appearances for Nigeria, he edges closer to joining the exclusive ‘100 Club’ of Nigerian footballers.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, Iwobi’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Nigeria aims to secure their fourth continental title.
The midfielder’s journey from a teenage debutant to the most capped active player is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the trust placed in him by successive national team coaches.