'Blood of Jay Jay Okocha' - Alex Iwobi hailed as he breaks Nigerian Premier League record

In a moment that officially penned his name above some of Nigeria’s greatest, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi broke the all-time record for Premier League appearances by a Nigerian player on Saturday.

Iwobi’s start against his former club, Arsenal, was his 299th Premier League appearance, successfully moving him past the 298-game record previously held by Newcastle legend Shola Ameobi.

This landmark achievement is being celebrated across social media by Nigerian football fans who hailed his consistency and grit.

While the result, a narrow 1-0 defeat for Fulham against Arsenal, was disappointing, the personal milestone for the 28-year-old was immense.

Iwobi has accumulated his appearances across three clubs, Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, showing a remarkable ability to adapt and remain relevant in the world's most demanding league.

The reaction from Nigerian supporters focused heavily on celebrating his consistency, often a quality overshadowed by goals and assists.

"A career with Arsenal, Everton & Fulham? That's Huge for Alex Iwobi. Most capped Nigerian in the Premier League. Legend," one fan posted, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a top-flight career for over a decade.

This comment linked the midfielder’s achievement to his legendary uncle: "Let's be factual, Iwobi's consistency is great. He truly has the blood of JJ Okocha in him. Happy to see him still at the top after all those slander."

This sentiment captures the collective pride in seeing Iwobi thrive despite often facing harsh criticism throughout his career.

Iwobi’s journey sees him now top the Premier League appearance charts for Nigerian internationals, eclipsing an impressive group of players who have defined the Super Eagles era in England.

Nigerian PL Appearance Leaders

• Alex Iwobi 299

• Shola Ameobi (298)

• Nwankwo Kanu (273)

• Yakubu Aiyegbeni (252)

• John Mikel Obi (249)

“His consistency is underestimated, always at the right club at the right time... before he left for Everton, he was a starter for Arsenal, same at Everton and now Fulham," another supporter commented, offering analysis on Iwobi's career choices.

The record confirms that longevity, reliability, and professionalism are cornerstones of a lasting Premier League career.

Iwobi is now poised to reach the coveted 300-appearance mark, with that opportunity expected to come next weekend when Fulham travels to face Newcastle United.

Iwobi has already proven his enduring value, not only helping Fulham this season but also playing a key role in the Super Eagles securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs during the recent international break.

For Nigerian fans, this record is a badge of honour, signaling that one of their own has truly mastered the art of enduring at the highest level.

Will Alex Iwobi continue to climb and set a benchmark that stands for decades? Share your thoughts below!