Super Eagles: What Alex Iwobi must do to break Ahmed Musa’s Nigeria record

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo believes Alex Iwobi can break Ahmed Musa’s Nigeria appearance record, but says staying fit could be the key to making it happen, Afrik-Foot reports.

Iwobi became only the fourth Nigerian to reach 100 international caps when he played in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal in Leiria on June 10. The Fulham midfielder joined Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Musa in the exclusive century club after making his senior debut against DR Congo in October 2015.

Musa currently leads Nigeria’s appearance chart with 110 caps, leaving Iwobi 10 games short of the record. Yobo, however, believes the 30-year-old has enough time to go well beyond that mark if he can keep his body healthy and continue earning his place in the Super Eagles.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Alex getting to 130 or 130-plus because he’s still very active,” Yobo told ESPN.

“He’s still performing at the highest level. You always pray and hope you don’t get injured because these things can derail you.”

Yobo backs Iwobi’s longevity and commitment

Yobo’s warning puts fitness at the heart of Iwobi’s record chase because every injury-related absence could cost him another opportunity to close the gap on Musa.

The former Everton defender also pointed to Iwobi’s professional attitude and consistency as reasons he believes the midfielder can keep playing for Nigeria for several more years.

“But knowing Alex, his professional mindset, his commitment and everything, I just hope that he goes as far as he can,” Yobo said. “Because I think the 130 barrier can be broken. Easily. Especially with a player like Alex, who is very committed.”

Iwobi now has an immediate chance to add to his total after being selected by Eric Chelle for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Morocco for the September 29 clash with Guinea-Bissau.