Nigerian Stars Chase Milestones, Records in Premier League Weekend
Several Nigerian players will be chasing personal milestones and impressive head-to-head records when they take centre stage in the Premier League this weekend.
Alex Iwobi will be targeting his third Premier League victory over Liverpool when Fulham host the Reds, while Calvin Bassey is set to reach another appearance landmark for the London club.
At Craven Cottage, Iwobi will be hoping to improve his record against Liverpool after winning only two of his previous 17 Premier League meetings with the former champions.
The Nigerian’s first victory came with Everton in February 2021 when he played four minutes in their 2-0 win at Anfield, while his second came in April 2025 when Fulham defeated Liverpool 3-2.
Iwobi was instrumental in that victory, scoring Fulham’s second goal before setting up Rodrigo Muniz for the winner. He has also provided five assists against Liverpool but has scored just once in 17 league meetings with them.
His Fulham teammate Bassey is also set for a landmark appearance, with the defender in line to make his 98th Premier League appearance and 106th appearance for Fulham in all competitions.
Bassey has also taken on greater responsibility this season after being handed the captain’s armband in Fulham’s opening three league matches following Tom Cairney’s injury.
Meanwhile, Semi Ajayi will be looking to maintain his unbeaten Premier League record against Chelsea when Hull City travel to Stamford Bridge.
Ajayi has won one and drawn one of his two previous meetings with the Blues, although neither match produced a clean sheet for the Nigerian defender.
The Hull centre-back has another personal milestone within reach, having already equalled his best Premier League season tally of three clean sheets.
A fourth shutout would establish a new personal record, while Hull will be attempting to preserve their perfect defensive start after keeping clean sheets in each of their opening three league games.
Ola Aina, meanwhile, is set to celebrate his 90th appearance for Nottingham Forest across all competitions when they face Aston Villa.
The fixture could also be his 79th Premier League appearance for Forest.
Aina has enjoyed a largely positive record against Villa, winning two of his previous five league meetings with them and losing only once. He has also scored once against the Midlands club.
The Nigerian will therefore be targeting a third victory in six Premier League appearances against Villa as Forest look to continue their campaign on a positive note.
There could also be a Nigerian debut in the Premier League, with Femi Azeez in contention to make his first competitive appearance for Brighton when the Seagulls travel to Coventry City on Sunday.
Azeez joined Brighton from Championship side Millwall on transfer deadline day but has had to wait for his debut after suffering a minor hamstring injury.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has, however, revealed that the 25-year-old winger is close to full fitness and could be available for the weekend clash.
‘He will definitely train today with the squad and hopefully everything is fine, and then he hopefully is an option for the weekend,’ Hurzeler said.
Azeez made just one appearance for Millwall this season before completing his move and will now hope to make his first competitive appearance for Brighton.
Azeez made just one appearance for Millwall this season before completing his move and will now hope to make his first competitive appearance for Brighton. The former Reading winger could provide Hurzeler with another attacking option as Brighton look to claim their second league victory of the season after winning, drawing and losing one of their opening three matches.
