Since Efan Ekoku first made his mark with Norwich City in April 1993, Nigerian footballers have remained a constant and influential presence in the Premier League. Their flair, strength, and determination have added a unique dimension to England’s top-flight for over three decades.
As of this week, Alex Iwobi has equalled the long-standing record for most Premier League appearances by a Nigerian, joining Shola Ameobi on 298 matches. The Fulham midfielder now stands on the brink of history, poised to become the outright record-holder in the coming weeks.
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Everton, Fulham) – 298 appearances
Still just 28, Iwobi continues to thrive at the highest level. The nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in 2015, where he developed under Arsène Wenger and contributed to FA Cup success in 2017.
After a £28 million move to Everton in 2019, Iwobi’s game matured significantly. His recent move to Fulham in 2023 under Marco Silva has seen him transformed into a versatile, dynamic midfielder. He now shares Nigeria’s appearance record with Ameobi and remains the only active Nigerian in the competition, following the recent exits of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, Crystal Palace) – 298 appearances
Ameobi, born in Zaria but raised in Newcastle, spent the majority of his career at St. James’ Park. A cult figure among fans, his 298 Premier League appearances came over 14 years, including a brief spell at Crystal Palace. Though not prolific, scoring 43 goals, his loyalty and presence were pivotal during Newcastle’s many transitions.
Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, West Brom, Portsmouth) – 273 appearances
Renowned for his flair and creativity, Kanu’s 273 appearances are etched in Premier League history. Arriving at Arsenal in 1999, he won two league titles and two FA Cups before enjoying spells at West Brom and Portsmouth. Kanu’s leadership and ingenuity, particularly during Portsmouth’s rise, earned him legendary status.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn) – 252 appearances
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Nigeria’s all-time top Premier League scorer with 95 goals, Yakubu was a force across four clubs. Known for his powerful left foot and positioning, “The Yak” was particularly effective at Middlesbrough and Everton. Despite injuries and club struggles, his goalscoring legacy remains unmatched among Nigerian forwards.
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) – 249 appearances
Spending over a decade at Chelsea, Mikel was a defensive midfield stalwart. He played a crucial role in Chelsea’s most successful period, winning two league titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League, and the Europa League. His 249 appearances underline his consistency and tactical intelligence.
Joseph Yobo (Everton, Norwich City) – 228 appearances
Yobo’s commanding presence anchored Everton’s defence for eight seasons. The centre-back made 221 appearances for the Toffees, helping the club maintain European ambitions under David Moyes. He later featured briefly for Norwich City before retiring from top-flight football.
Victor Moses (Wigan, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke, Crystal Palace) – 220 appearances
Moses’ journey through five clubs is a testament to resilience and adaptation. After early promise at Wigan, his Chelsea career took off under Antonio Conte, who reinvented him as a wing-back. Moses played a key role in Chelsea’s 2016/17 title-winning campaign.
READ ALSO: EPL: Iwobi scores twice, surpasses Kanu’s appearance record
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 207 appearances
Ndidi quickly became one of the league’s most effective ball-winners after joining Leicester in 2017. His tackling, positioning and engine helped replace N’Golo Kanté, with his standout moment coming in Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup triumph.
Victor Anichebe (Everton, West Brom, Sunderland) – 204 appearances
Anichebe’s career was blighted by injuries, but he still made over 200 Premier League appearances. Starting at Everton, his strength and hold-up play were valuable assets. He later had spells at West Brom and Sunderland.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, Leicester City) – 196 appearances
Iheanacho’s early promise at Manchester City earned him a move to Leicester, where he became a key figure during the 2020/21 season. His goals helped Leicester lift the FA Cup in 2021, though he often played a supporting role behind Jamie Vardy.
As Alex Iwobi edges closer to becoming Nigeria’s most capped Premier League player, his journey reflects the broader impact Nigerian footballers have had on English football. From pioneers like Ekoku to legends like Kanu and workhorses like Mikel, their contributions have shaped the Premier League’s multicultural identity. Iwobi now stands as a torchbearer for the next generation.
