Fulham’s Alex Iwobi breaks John Obi Mikel’s long-standing Premier League record

Many Super Eagles players like Nwankwo Kanu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Osaze Odemwingie, Joseph Yobo and a host of others have graced the English Premier League

Fulham forward, Alex Iwobi, has eclipsed John Obi Mikel’s English Premier League record for the Nigerian with the most minutes played in the league, Soccernet.ng reports.

In Fulham’s recent 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, Iwobi featured for the full 90 minutes under manager Marco Silva, surpassing Mikel’s longstanding record.

The former Super Eagles captain, who debuted for Chelsea in 2006, held the record since then, accumulating minutes until his departure from the club in 2016-2017.

Despite notable Nigerian players like Nwankwo Kanu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Joseph Yobo also gracing the Premier League, Mikel maintained the record even without playing for another Premier League side other than Chelsea.

However, Iwobi, who started his Premier League career with Arsenal before moving to Everton–where he became a regular starter, and now Fulham, has steadily accumulated minutes, culminating in his record-breaking feat.

After his appearance against Newcastle, the former Everton star has now played 16,289 minutes in the league, surpassing Mikel’s 16,218 minutes.

With seven games remaining in the 2023-24 Premier League season, Iwobi has the opportunity to further solidify his record as the Nigerian with the most minutes played.

N.B: Who else do you think should have earned more minutes in the English Premier League as a Nigerian? Leave your comments below.

This post was last modified on April 8, 2024 12:07 pm

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

West Ham rekindle interest in Super Eagles striker despite Nottingham Forest stance

English Premier League side, West Ham United, have rekindled their interest in Super Eagles and… Read More

38 minutes ago

Super Eagles B team: Eric Chelle to oversee three coaches for CHAN tournament– Eguavoen excluded

Malian gaffer, Eric Chelle, will not lead the Super Eagles B team to the 8th… Read More

39 minutes ago

Free-scoring Nigerian winger set to return to Europe after failed stint in the United Arab Emirates

Swiss giants FC Basel have finalised a loan deal for Nigerian winger Philip Otele from… Read More

46 minutes ago

Napoli weigh up €40m bid for Borussia Dortmund’s fufu-man with strong Nigerian ties

Italian Serie A side, Napoli, are weighing up a move for Germany and Borussia Dortmund… Read More

1 hour ago

Super Eagles coach: Why NFF may have handed Eric Chelle jersey number 12 – Photo

Newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, has sparked curiosity after being… Read More

2 hours ago

Besiktas eyeing Super Eagles star to rival Ciro Immobile

Former Turkish Super Lig champions Besiktas have reignited their interest in Super Eagles striker Paul… Read More

3 hours ago