Alex Iwobi Breaks Premier League Record Against Newcastle

‎Alex Iwobi hit a triple-century milestone in the English top flight as Fulham were beaten by Newcastle.

‎Iwobi became the first Nigerian to reach 300 appearances in the Premier League, achieving the feat after featuring for Fulham in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle.

‎Before the match at St. James’ Park, the 29-year-old had already surpassed compatriot Shola Ameobi to become Nigeria’s most-capped player in Premier League history.

‎By reaching 300 appearances, Iwobi cements his legacy as one of the finest Nigerians to have played in England’s top flight.

‎He also became the fifth African to reach the milestone, joining Kolo Touré (353), Mohamed Salah (309), Wilfried Zaha (305), and Jordan Ayew (305).

‎Despite playing the full 90 minutes against Eddie Howe’s side, his team fell to defeat. Before being replaced by Jonah Kusi Asare, he managed two shots, two crosses, 51 touches, and 44 passes, with a passing accuracy of 74.4%.

‎Commenting on his new feat, Iwobi told Fulham’s website after the game, “It’s amazing. It’s a big achievement to lead that, with the likes of Shola Ameobi and even my uncle (Jay-Jay Okocha) that’s participated in the Premier League.

‎”It’s an honour, but I’m not done yet, I’m going to keep on going and hopefully keep the record going.”

‎Born in Lagos to Nigerian parents, Iwobi began his football journey at Arsenal, impressing in the youth ranks before earning promotion to the senior squad under Arsene Wenger.

‎He made his first-team debut on October 27, 2015, starting in a 3-0 League Cup Round of 16 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

‎Just four days later, Iwobi made his Premier League debut, replacing Mesut Özil in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Swansea at the Emirates Stadium. During his four seasons with the Gunners, he won an FA Cup and two FA Community Shield titles.

‎In recognition of his talent, the 2016 CAF Youth Player of the Year secured a five-year move to Everton on August 8, 2019.

‎In 2023, he moved to London-based Fulham for an undisclosed fee. At Craven Cottage, records tumbled for the talented midfielder.

‎On April 6, 2024, he made history by surpassing John Obi Mikel to become the Nigerian with the most minutes played in Premier League history during a match against Newcastle United.

‎Later, on January 5, 2025, he reached another milestone by becoming the fifth African to make at least 50 Premier League appearances for three different clubs.

‎He marked the occasion in style, scoring in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town.