BY our Reporter

The National Sports Commission NSC, has honoured Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi on Wednesday night in Leiria, Portugal to mark his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko and NFF Executive Committee member Sharif Rabiu Inuwa presented him with a specially framed shirt before Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal.

The Super Eagles lost 1-2 to the hosts in a match used to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Iwobi’s 100th cap puts him among an elite group of Super Eagles players to reach the century mark. He made his senior debut in October 2015 in a friendly against Congo DR, after switching allegiance from England, where he had played at youth level.

Born in Lagos and raised in England, the 29-year-old has become a mainstay in Nigeria’s midfield. He was part of the squad that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and played a key role in the team’s run to the 2023 AFCON final in Cote d’Ivoire, where the Eagles finished runners-up.

Iwobi came through the Arsenal academy and made over 140 appearances for the Gunners before moving to Everton in 2019. He joined Fulham in 2023 and has become a central figure under manager Marco Silva. Known for close control, dribbling in tight spaces, and versatility across midfield and attack, he has evolved from winger to central midfielder.

He is also the nephew of former Super Eagles captain and coach Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha and has credited his uncle’s influence on his career and decision to play for Nigeria.

His composure and work rate have made him a trusted option for successive coaches, and the Leiria honour comes as the NFF uses the Portugal friendly to test combinations and build match fitness ahead of qualifiers later this year.