ALEXANDER Iwobi has expressed gratitude to Nigeria and Nigerians at home and abroad for the show of love and support in his international sojourn with the Super Eagles.
The Fulham midfielder is looking forward to his 100th cap for Nigeria when the Super Eagles take on Portugal in Leiria tomorrow.
“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said.
“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 30-year-old, who was also eligible for England, made his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly match against Democratic Republic of Congo in Visé, Belgium on October 8, 2015. It is 128 months after, and he is making his 100th appearance in another friendly match, also in Europe.
“I first went to the Nigeria U-23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home,” Iwobi noted
“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 100th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I could 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,” he said.
“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days’ time, but no regrets.”
Iwobi’s father, 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,” said Iwobi Senior.
“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.”
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.
