Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence that Alex Iwobi is well on his way to becoming Nigeria’s most capped footballer, highlighting the midfielder’s consistency, dedication, and influence both on and off the pitch.
Troost-Ekong, who has shared the field with Iwobi on numerous occasions, praised his teammate for not only his technical ability but also his leadership qualities and professionalism. According to the defender, Iwobi possesses the right mindset and resilience to rewrite Nigeria’s record books, setting benchmarks for future generations of Super Eagles players.
Iwobi recently earned his 90th cap in Thursday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon, bringing him closer to overtaking Ahmed Musa’s record of 112 international appearances. The 28-year-old first donned the national jersey in October 2015 during a match against DR Congo, shortly before making his debut for Arsenal’s first team under the legendary Arsène Wenger.
Praise for a standout player
Speaking to reporters during Nigeria’s training camp in Rabat, Troost-Ekong described Iwobi as a “special player whose impact often goes unnoticed.” He emphasised that Iwobi’s work ethic and maturity have been crucial to the team’s progress over the years.
“For me, he’s a really special player and someone who has become a close friend. To reach 90 caps is a remarkable achievement. From the first time I saw him, even before his Arsenal debut, I could tell he was a big talent. He has consistently grown, not just technically, but as a leader in the squad,” Troost-Ekong stated.
In addition to his national team success, Iwobi recently became the first Nigerian to reach 300 Premier League appearances, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most durable and consistent performers in Europe’s top leagues. This milestone underscores his longevity and ability to maintain high performance levels across multiple seasons and clubs.
On a record-breaking trajectory
Troost-Ekong noted that Iwobi’s achievements at club and country level indicate that even more records are likely to fall in the near future. The defender highlighted Iwobi’s professionalism, consistency, and leadership as qualities that set him apart and inspire younger players.
“To be the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances is special in itself, and Alex is just getting started. He’s on track to break all our national team records in the coming years. He’s matured into a key leader, and his presence lifts everyone around him,” Troost-Ekong said.
The defender also acknowledged Iwobi’s role in influencing Europe-born talents to commit to the Super Eagles. “When you talk about the ‘innit boys,’ Alex is definitely the leader of that group. His journey shows young players that it’s possible to succeed in Europe while still giving back to Nigeria,” he added.
Focus on team success
Despite approaching historic personal milestones, Troost-Ekong emphasized that Iwobi remains motivated by collective achievements rather than just individual accolades. The midfielder’s primary goal continues to be helping the Super Eagles succeed at major tournaments, including the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“I’m confident he’ll break all the records, but what drives him the most is winning for Nigeria. He’s focused on reaching the World Cup and bringing home the AFCON trophy. That would be the ultimate achievement for him and this generation of Super Eagles players,” Troost-Ekong said.
The Super Eagles are continuing their preparations in Rabat ahead of Sunday’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, with Iwobi expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory and further cementing his legacy.