Iwobi loses chance to make Premier League history

Alex Iwobi was subbed on for the first time in 27 Premier League games this season when his side, Fulham defeated their host, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at the Molineux on Tuesday night.

The Nigerian was not listed in gaffer, Marco Silva’s starting lineup for the first time this season, and since February 2024 when he came on at the start of the second half for Willian in the Cottagers’ 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

On Tuesday, Iwobi was subbed on for Saša Lukić on 67 minutes.

The 28-year-old has thus missed the chance of becoming the first Nigerian player to start all 38 games of a Premier League season twice.

Joseph Yobo started all 38 games Everton played in the 2006/2007 season to become the first Nigerian to do so. Iwobi equaled the feat in 2022/23 season, also in the colours of Everton.

A few other Nigerians came close to achieving that feat but missed out due to injury or suspension.

Wilfred Ndidi started 37 of 38 games in his second full season (2018/2019) in the Premier League while Yakubu Aiyegbeni started 37 times in two seasons viz 2003/2004 and 2006/2007.

Odion Ighalo started 37 of the 38 games he played in his Premier League debut season, scoring 15 times for Watford in the 2015/16 season.

Only Ola Aina looks on course to becoming the third Nigerian player to start all 38 Premier League games of a season. The Nottingham Forest left back has started all 26 games his side has played this season and will be confident of starting for the 27th time on Wednesday when they host Arsenal at the City Ground.