Alex Iwobi Becomes Fourth Nigerian to Reach 100 International Caps After Super Eagles Loss to Portugal

Alex Iwobi has reached 100 international appearances for Nigeria, becoming only the fourth player in the country’s football history to achieve the feat after featuring in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal on Wednesday, 11 June 2026.

The match, played at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, ended in defeat for Nigeria, bringing to a close an unbeaten run of 12 games. The result also meant the Super Eagles were unable to reverse a previous loss to the same opposition.

Despite the result, Iwobi’s personal milestone drew widespread recognition. The Fulham midfielder acknowledged the scale of the achievement in his post-match remarks. “Thank you for the appreciation, the love, and the recognition,” he said. “It goes a long way. Obviously, a hundred caps for Nigeria is not easy, but I am grateful to say I am one of four to have made it here.”

With the century of caps, Iwobi joins Ahmed Musa, Joseph Yobo, and Vincent Enyeama as the only players in Nigerian football history to reach that landmark. Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, holds the record for the most international appearances, while Yobo and Enyeama were central figures in Super Eagles squads across the 2000s and 2010s. Enyeama, a former Lille goalkeeper, and Yobo, who captained Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, remain iconic figures in the country’s football heritage.

Iwobi, who began his senior international career as a teenager and has represented Nigeria at two Africa Cup of Nations competitions, made his name in European club football through stints at Arsenal and Everton before joining Fulham. The 30-year-old has been a consistent presence in the Super Eagles midfield across more than a decade of international football.

In his post-match comments, the former Arsenal academy graduate also paid tribute to the support structure behind his career. “Big shout out to the Nigerian staff, the players, the ones that have helped me on this journey,” he stated, before reserving particular acknowledgment for his immediate family. “The main shout-out goes to mum, dad and sister. I wouldn’t have been here without them,” he added.

Notably, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was reported to have applauded Iwobi on the occasion of his 100th cap, a gesture that drew attention ahead of and during the fixture.

The friendly in Leiria comes as Nigeria prepare for upcoming competitive commitments, with the Super Eagles among the African nations building momentum heading into a busy international calendar. The defeat, while ending a significant unbeaten sequence, does not alter Nigeria’s broader preparations, though the dropped record will be a point of reflection for the coaching staff.

Reports also suggest the Super Eagles are set to be placed under the guidance of a former Real Madrid manager in the near future, a development that could shape the direction of the squad as Iwobi and other senior players continue their international careers.