Alex Iwobi Celebrates 100th Fulham Appearance in FA Cup Triumph
Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi achieved a significant career milestone on Sunday, February 16, as Fulham secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the FA Cup. The Nigerian midfielder played the full 90 minutes at the Bet365 Stadium, marking his 100th appearance for Fulham across all competitions.
A Landmark Game in a Spirited Comeback
Iwobi's milestone match was set against a thrilling backdrop, with Fulham falling behind early before mounting a determined comeback to advance to the next round. Anchoring the midfield throughout, Iwobi provided composure and relentless work rate, helping his team claw back into the contest. Goals from Kevin and Winston Reed ultimately turned the tie around, ensuring the Nigerian's special day ended in celebration rather than disappointment.
Joining an Elite Group in Fulham History
With this achievement, Iwobi joins a select group of players who have reached 100 appearances for Fulham, becoming the 183rd player in the club's history to do so, according to Transfermarkt. This cements his growing legacy at Craven Cottage. Within the current squad, only a handful of players, including Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Muniz, Kenny Tete, Bernd Leno, Ryan Sessegnon, Harry Wilson, and captain Tom Cairney, boast more appearances than Iwobi. Former Fulham stars like Tosin Adarabioyo and Edwin van der Sar also rank above him in the club's appearance charts.
Consistency and Impact Since Joining Fulham
Since his transfer from Everton in the summer of 2023 for €25.7 million, Iwobi has quickly become a central figure in Fulham's setup. His versatility, allowing him to operate across midfield and attacking positions, has made him indispensable to the team's tactical flexibility. Under manager Marco Silva, who previously worked with him at Everton, Iwobi has thrived, featuring in 30 league matches in his debut season and playing all 38 Premier League games in the following campaign. Earlier this season, the 29-year-old also became the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances, highlighting his longevity at the top level.
Notable Contributions and Career Milestones
In his 100 matches for Fulham, Iwobi has contributed 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. Remarkably, he has now reached the 100-game mark for every club he has represented, including Arsenal (149 appearances), Everton (149 appearances), and Fulham (100 appearances). This underscores his consistency and durability throughout his professional career.
Additional Context: Iwobi Comments on Foden Tackle
In related news, Alex Iwobi recently commented on a controversial tackle by Manchester City's Phil Foden on his Fulham teammate Calvin Bassey during a 3-0 defeat. Foden's challenge, which involved planting his studs on Bassey's Achilles, sparked debate, with Iwobi weighing in on the incident.
This article is based on original reporting by Chukwu Ikechukwu, a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media, having covered events like the African Wrestling Championship and AFCON.
