Alex Iwobi has reached a major milestone in the English Premier League after matching Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on 328 appearances. The Nigeria international now ranks joint second among African players with the most matches in the competition.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) celebrated the Fulham midfielder following the achievement. Iwobi reached the landmark during Fulham’s 1-0 win over Coventry City on Saturday.
The 30 year old has enjoyed a long career in English football. His latest appearance moved him level with Egyptian star Salah and left him just 25 matches short of the record held by former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure.
Acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON congratulated Iwobi and praised his achievement.
“The NFF celebrates Alex Iwobi for this new achievement and we wish him even greater glory. We will be very happy to see him become the African with the most appearances in the Premier League in the near future.”
Iwobi Closes in on Kolo Toure’s Premier League Record
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Toure holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by an African player, with 353 matches. Iwobi needs 25 more appearances to draw level with the Ivorian legend.
Salah, meanwhile, shares second place with Iwobi on 328 appearances. The Liverpool forward has also built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most prolific African players.
Iwobi’s achievement puts him ahead of several other established African footballers. Fellow Nigerian Shola Ameobi sits next on the national list with 298 Premier League appearances.
The milestone adds to Iwobi’s achievements with Nigeria. He celebrated his 100th international cap during a friendly against Portugal this summer at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. He has also won one silver and two bronze medals with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Iwobi played a key role in midfield during Fulham’s victory over Coventry before coming off in the 74th minute. He completed 86% of his passes, made 60 touches and recorded five recoveries. He also covered 9.1 kilometres during his time on the pitch.
With 328 Premier League appearances already to his name, Iwobi is closing in on Toure’s record. If he maintains his place in Fulham’s plans, the Nigerian midfielder will have a chance to become the African player with the most appearances in the competition.
