Nigerian sensational Midfielder Alex Iwobi, got described by the Confederation of African Football as iconic after the Fulham midfielder became only the fourth player to reach 100 appearances for the Super Eagles during Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal on Wednesday.
The former Arsenal Midfielder brought up the milestone at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, where Nigeria locked horn against Portugal in their final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup. CAF, reacting to the Super Eagles’ social media post celebrating the achievement, responded simply, “Iwobi? Iconic.”
The report has stated that Alex Iwobi has joined an exclusive group of Nigerians to have reached the landmark, drawing level with former captain Joseph Yobo in third place on the all-time appearance list. And it is only the former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and current skipper Ahmed Musa have earned more caps for the men’s national team.
The Fulham Midfielder is one the few players that produced a composed performance in midfield, and his milestone brought considerable personal and national recognition.
Iwobi expressed through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) the pride at reaching the landmark, even if major honours have eluded him. “I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” he said.
The 30-year old midfielder, who represented England at youth level before committing to Nigeria, acknowledged the trophies that got away.
“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,” he added.
While speaking, the Fulham FC Midfield sensational also revealed that family members, including his uncle and the legendary Nigerian footballer Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, were consulted before he made his final decision, though he stressed that the choice ultimately rested with him.
