Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has etched his name in Premier League history, becoming only the fifth African player to register at least 50 appearances for three different clubs in the competition.
This milestone came during Fulham’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Facing Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town, Fulham entered the match as favorites but encountered a spirited performance from the Tractor Boys. Despite being in the starting lineup, Iwobi had a subdued first half, as Ipswich took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Iwobi’s day ended early when he was substituted for Rodrigo Muniz in the 63rd minute. However, the game exploded into action after his departure.
Fulham equalized in the 69th minute when Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot. Ipswich responded almost immediately, with Liam Delap restoring their lead just two minutes later. Fulham salvaged a point in stoppage time, thanks to another Jimenez strike, ensuring a 2-2 final score.
50 – Alex Iwobi is set to become the fifth African player to make 50+ Premier League appearances for three different teams after Kanu (Arsenal, Portsmouth, West Brom), El Hadji Diouf (Bolton, Blackburn, Liverpool), Yakubu (Everton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth) and Mohamed Diamé… pic.twitter.com/pofk8O2y84
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 5, 2025
While Iwobi didn’t shine individually, the match marked a significant achievement in his career. According to Opta Joe, he joined an exclusive list of African players to make 50+ Premier League appearances for three different clubs.
The Nigerian international made his Premier League debut for Arsenal during the 2015/16 season, eventually amassing 100 appearances for the Gunners. After moving to Everton in 2019, Iwobi played 123 games over four years before transferring to Fulham in 2023. His outing against Ipswich brought his Premier League tally for the Cottagers to 50 appearances.
Iwobi now joins African football legends Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, Portsmouth, West Brom), El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool, Bolton, Blackburn), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton), and Mohamed Diamé (Wigan, West Ham, Newcastle) in this prestigious group.
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At 28, Iwobi remains a vital figure for Fulham and a consistent performer in the Premier League, further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s finest exports to England’s top flight.
