'He's set to break all the records' - Super Eagles CB backs Iwobi to rewrite Nigerian football history

Super Eagles centre-back William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence that Alex Iwobi is on course to become Nigeria's all-time record appearance maker in the future.

The Fulham midfielder earned his 90th cap during Thursday's 4-1 win over Gabon, leaving him just 22 appearances shy of surpassing Ahmed Musa as the most capped Nigerian player in history.

Iwobi's international journey began in October 2015, when he made his senior debut in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo, coming off the bench in the 57th minute to replace Musa. 

Remarkably, this debut came just nineteen days before he made his professional bow for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger.

In a media parley with reporters in Rabat on Saturday, Troost-Ekong said: "For me, he's a really special player, he's someone who has become a really close friend.

"He came when I had my second camp under Sunday Oliseh, this was ten years ago now. I'm sure for him to achieve 90 caps is something really, really special.

"When I saw him in the first camp he was a big talent, he hadn't made his debut yet for Arsenal, and now I think he's a player that sometimes goes under the radar."

Iwobi became the first Nigerian player to reach a milestone of 300 appearances in the Premier League on October 25 when he was named in the starting lineup in Fulham's visit to Newcastle United. 

Troost-Ekong is convinced that the Hale End Academy graduate will continue to break records at club and international level.

"For him to be the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances, with all the names that we've had there before, is something special.

"He's set to break all the records that we have here in the coming years. And a player that has grown to become so mature. So, when we talk about leadership in our team, Alex is definitely a big part of that.

"He's also been part of this generation who probably have made coming back home and playing for Nigeria a real thing, when you talk about the innit boys in our team, Alex is definitely the leader in that.

"It's really nice to see the progression and as a teammate and friend, I'm really proud of him, and I definitely know this is something that's not going to stop anytime soon.

"I'm hoping he'll end up breaking all the records but I know that he's also focused on getting back to the World Cup and trying to win Afcon too to crown this generation."

Troost-Ekong added that Iwobi's unique character is an essential part of what makes him an important player for Nigeria.

"That's the biggest thing on Alex's mind, and he's not always interpreted in the best way, but I think that's just him being himself and he can be misunderstood for that.

"That's also the thing that's special and everybody loves about him and he's one of the most important players in the team both on and off the pitch."

Iwobi represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup, logging 64 minutes across group matches against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com