What AFCON 2023 MVP said after Alex Iwobi equalled Chelsea legend’s record for Nigeria vs Gabon

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has celebrated teammate Alex Iwobi after the Fulham man made his 90th appearance for Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi marked the milestone for Nigeria with a composed, intelligent performance as the three-time African champions swept past Gabon 4–1 to reach the CAF World Cup playoff final in Rabat on Thursday night.

Iwobi’s latest milestone puts him level with Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel on Nigeria’s all-time appearance chart, joining him in fourth place behind Joseph Yobo (100 caps), Vincent Enyeama (101) and Ahmed Musa (111).

Iwobi, who made his debut in 2015, has now completed a decade of service to the national team, a period in which he has remained a constant presence despite tactical shifts, coaching transitions and major tournament cycles. His consistency and adaptability have sealed his place as one of the Super Eagles’ most reliable figures.

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Alex Iwobi: Troost-Ekong hails ‘leader and example'

Former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong led the tributes after the match.

Troost-Ekong, who was named the most valuable player (MVP) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) described Iwobi as a model professional within the Super Eagles squad.

Taking to X, he posted:

“Leader and example for all of us! Proud of you brother! @alexiwobi.”

Leader and example for all of us! Proud of you brother! @alexiwobi https://t.co/n1EQ8jwVpb

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 13, 2025

Troost-Ekong, who came on in extra time against Gabon and is himself climbing the cap list with 83 appearances, responded to a celebratory post from the Super Eagles’ official account which read:

“Ten years of service (2015 – present) | 90 caps. Congratulations to Alex @alexiwobi!”

Troost-Ekong's admiration for Alex Iwobi follows Nigeria's crucial win against a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-inspired Gabon, in what is one of Nigeria’s most assertive performances in recent times.

Goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a Victor Osimhen brace sealed the 4–1 victory after a dramatic clash in which Nigeria initially surrendered a late 1–0 lead before storming clear in extra time.

The win keeps alive Nigeria’s ambition of returning to the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition. They will now face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon with a stoppage-time strike from Chancel Mbemba in the other semifinal.

Sunday’s final will determine which nation advances to the inter-continental playoffs in March, where an African team can still qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria, who have featured in six previous World Cups; 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018, remain firmly in the hunt. If they play with the authority they showed against Gabon, their path to a seventh appearance looks feasible.