Alexander Iwobi has admitted it hurts to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but insists he has “no regrets” as he targets his 100th appearance for Nigeria in a friendly against Portugal in Leiria tomorrow.
Key takeaways
- Iwobi said missing the 2026 World Cup is painful, yet he remains confident in his choice of Nigeria.
- The midfielder is set to earn his 100th Nigeria cap against Portugal in Leiria in a friendly.
- He will become the fourth Nigerian to reach a century of international appearances, following Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa.
- Iwobi marked his Nigeria debut in a friendly versus DR Congo in Visé, Belgium, in October 2015.
- He cites his goal against Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in October 2017 as his most memorable moment in the Super Eagles’ colours.
- Iwobi’s Nigeria record includes four AFCON campaigns, with one silver and two bronze medals, plus a 2018 World Cup appearance in Russia.
Milestone and reflections ahead of Portugal test
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match, Iwobi said he would have liked to lift the Africa Cup of Nations and to be part of Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, which is due to begin in the coming days. Still, he stressed that his emotions are balanced by acceptance and gratitude as he approaches the landmark figure of 100 caps.
Iwobi’s path to the milestone began when he made his Nigeria debut in a friendly against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium, in October 2015. Nearly 11 years later, he is poised to join an elite group, becoming Nigeria’s fourth player to reach 100 international appearances when Nigeria take on Portugal again in Europe, this time in a friendly in Leiria.
The 28-year-old also reflected on what reaching the century has meant for him, describing his career as one shaped by long-term commitment to the national team. While he acknowledged the size of the achievement, he avoided grand labels, saying he simply views himself as a Super Eagles player and that the feeling of watching his cap count move toward 100 has been special.
“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap, and on a lighter note, I wish I can add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles,” he said.
Defining moments and the role of family
When asked to identify a standout memory in the green-and-white, Iwobi pointed to his goal against Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in October 2017. That strike played a decisive role in Nigeria securing qualification for the 2018 World Cup, and he said the occasion holds an even deeper meaning because both of his parents were present in the stadium.
“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he added.
Iwobi also explained his route to Nigeria, noting that he represented England at youth level before making the switch to the Super Eagles. He said his father, who guided his early decisions, was central to the process but never tried to force him into a particular choice.
“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision but he didn’t force it down on me. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria,” Iwobi said.
His father, Barr. Chuka Iwobi—himself a former footballer—said the family remains grateful for what Nigeria has given his son. He described Iwobi’s debut in 2015 as the start of a “journey” that has brought him to 100 caps, with more still possible.
“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given. When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come,” he said.
He also praised his son’s dedication while wearing the national team jersey, adding that the experience has included both highs and lows but that Iwobi has grown stronger through it. The elder Iwobi concluded by praying for continued success and hoping the Super Eagles can reward supporters for their loyalty.
“Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white. There have been highs and lows over the years but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country. We pray that he continues to excel and that the Super Eagles are able to repay the fans for their love and support.”
International record: AFCON medals and World Cup experience
Iwobi’s Nigeria résumé includes four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He won silver in 2023 and collected bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He has also played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, adding to the experience he hopes to bring to the next stage of Nigeria’s international fixtures.
