As he prepares to earn his 100th cap for Nigeria in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal, Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi says he has no regrets about his decade-long career with the Super Eagles. Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria in October 2015 and will become only the fourth Nigerian player to reach 100 international caps, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa.
Barring any unexpected twist, Iwobi is expected to join Jospeh Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa as one of only four Nigerians to have played a century of games for the national team when he lines out against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Leiria. His 99th appearance was during a friendly match against Jordan in Antalya in March, and unfortunately, he was sent off after uncharacteristically reacting to an opponent grabbing him.
The Fulham midfielder, who represented England at cadet level, says he has no regrets about his decision to go with Nigeria for his senior international career, despite missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and never winning the Africa Cup of Nations. “I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” Iwobi said. “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.”
Iwobi, despite closing in on 100 games and having featured at four AFCONs and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, does not see himself as a legend of the team yet. He missed the 2026 Unity Cup and the international friendly against Poland, but is now set to return against Portugal for his 100th appearance.
Ahead of the milestone, Iwobi expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their support throughout a journey that has spanned more than a decade. If he earns his 100th cap against Portugal, he will reach the milestone in approximately 10 years and 8 months since his senior debut, making him the fastest player in Nigeria’s history to record 100 international appearances.
The Portugal friendly is a chance for the team to build momentum despite not qualifying for the World Cup, and Iwobi believes Nigeria has overcome the World Cup failure through their impressive AFCON run. The midfielder won his 99th cap in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Jordan, coming on as a late substitute, having made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 8, 2015.
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