Super Eagles and Fulham star Alex Iwobi recently joined Shola Ameobi as the Nigerian with the most EPL appearances. He talks about that achievement and more in this interview with SuperSport

You’re close to being the only record holder for the most appearances in the Premier League by a Nigerian. How does it feel, and what’s the key to this consistency?

It’s amazing, honestly, to almost be the single most capped Nigerian in the EPL. I don’t really think about it, because I just normally go and play games. But afterwards, when I chat with my family, it’s like, ‘Oh wow, I’ve played a lot of games.’ Yeah, it’s an honour to be one of the most capped Nigerian players in the Premier League. Shola Ameobi is a big legend, and you said I’ve done it in fewer years, so hopefully I’ve got many more years ahead to set the record with greater numbers.

Do you think you can still go to the World Cup?

Of course, we believe that we’re going to go to the World Cup; otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. We’re going to try and do our best, so hopefully the fans can continue to believe in us as well.

What does it mean for you to have two other Super Eagles players, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, in the Fulham team, playing together at the same club, and also off the pitch?

Yeah, it’s nice to have Samuel join us, not just because he’s Nigerian, but because he’s a great player and a great person, both on and off the pitch. We’re technically Naija FC now. The closest we have had before was Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi at Leicester City or probably at Nottingham Forest when we had Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis, but now it’s us. Are we carrying Nigeria in the Premier League? I wouldn’t say so. It’s just nice to have another brother added to our team.

What would it mean if you all went to AFCON together, all in the Nigerian team?

You’d want to win, obviously. You’d want to improve on the last one, and the only way to improve is to win it. So let’s see what we can do this year.

As a young Nigerian, which Premier League moment from an African player inspired you to become a footballer?

A key moment for me. Obviously, I’m blessed to have an uncle who played in the Premier League, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha. I was with him some time ago, and he reminded me of a match when he was playing under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Obviously, that was a fun time. They had to play against West Ham to stay in the league, and he ran from one end of the pitch to the other and smashed it into the top corner. Watching that was probably one of my biggest moments. I thought, ‘One day I want to be like my uncle – or even better.’ So I’d say that moment inspired me.

All eyes are on the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa, on Friday as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Crocodiles of Lesotho in what promises to be a last-chance match for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles were almost certain to miss out on consecutive World Cup finals after their September 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

However, they were handed a lifeline when South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, narrowing the gap at the top of Group C.

The ruling left Nigeria three points adrift of Benin and South Africa with two games remaining, reshaping the qualification race and keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive.

Decisive game for the Super Eagles

Nigeria cannot afford to lose either of their remaining two matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Lesotho.

They must also hope South Africa slip up in their remaining games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

With several teams still mathematically capable of topping the group, a win in Polokwane is essential if the Super Eagles are to keep their campaign alive.

Group standings

Benin top the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference, while South Africa are second on 14 points with a +2 goal difference. Nigeria sit third on 11 points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Rwanda on 11 points and a neutral goal difference.

Head-to-head

Since 2019, the sides have met three times: they have drawn once and Nigeria have won twice.

Lesotho held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on November 16, 2023, and will be looking to cause another upset in Polokwane.

Record so far

The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign has been patchy. To date, they have recorded two wins, five draws and one defeat, while Lesotho have two wins, three draws and three losses.

Optimism, ready

Ahead of the crucial tie, head coach Éric Chelle and some Super Eagles stars have expressed optimism about their chances.

Speaking at a press conference in Polokwane on Thursday, Chelle said the team must begin the game aggressively and with full focus.

Chelle warned that football is unpredictable, considering factors such as weather, refereeing errors, and individual mistakes can influence outcomes.

But he insisted the squad’s attention must remain on securing three points.

Match details

Matchday nine will take place on Friday (today), October 10, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, with kick-off at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigeria time).

Fans can watch on DStv’s SuperSport, SportyBet TV and AfroSport.

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