Top 5 Nigerian assist leaders in Premier League history: Iwobi sets new record

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Alex Iwobi has made history as the Nigerian with the most assists in Premier League history, surpassing the previous record held by Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu. Iwobi's 30th assist, delivered in Fulham's 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Craven Cottage, has cemented his place in the record books as he continues to make his mark in English football.

The assist came in the 28-year-old‘s 258th appearance in the Premier League, highlighting both his longevity and creativity as a midfielder. He set up his former Arsenal teammate, Emile Smith Rowe, to score Fulham's second goal of the match, further solidifying his position as one of the top African midfielders currently in the league. It was also Iwobi's first assist against Newcastle in 11 appearances, adding another layer to his impressive feat.

After making his debut for Arsenal under Arsène Wenger in 2015, Iwobi has transitioned from a forward into a highly effective midfielder, a transformation that has been key to his growth.

Iwobi’s Premier League journey

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Alex Iwobi – Photo by IMAGO

After leaving Arsenal in 2019, Iwobi joined Everton, where his playmaking abilities flourished. His time at Everton saw him adapt to new roles, showcasing his versatility and work rate. Now at Fulham, Iwobi continues to evolve, becoming a crucial part of Marco Silva’s setup and contributing both offensively and defensively.

His assist against Newcastle added to an already impressive tally that includes key contributions against some of the Premier League’s top sides. Over his Premier League career, Iwobi has provided six assists against West Ham, four against both Southampton and Liverpool, and three against Brighton. He’s also recorded assists against teams like Crystal Palace, Leicester City, and his former clubs, Arsenal and Everton.

The All-time Nigerian Premier League assist leaders

Iwobi’s new record puts him ahead of some iconic Nigerian footballers who have made their mark on the Premier League. Here’s a look at the top five Nigerian players with the most Premier League assists:

Shola Ameobi (Newcastle, Crystal Palace) – 20 assists

Known for his goalscoring prowess at Newcastle, Ameobi also contributed 20 assists during his time in the Premier League.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, Leicester City) – 25 assists

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Photo by IMAGO

Iheanacho started his career at Manchester City and later moved to Leicester, where he has tallied 25 assists. His assist tally could have grown further had Leicester not been relegated to the Championship in 2023.

Yakubu Ayegbeni (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn Rovers) – 26 assists

Yakubu, Nigeria's top goalscorer in the Premier League, added 26 assists to his remarkable goal tally, placing him third on the list.

Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, West Brom, Portsmouth) – 29 assists

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Photo by IMAGO

Kanu held the record for years with 29 assists, a reflection of his creativity and vision during his illustrious career.

Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Everton, Fulham) – 30 assists

Iwobi now holds the record outright with 30 assists, becoming the top Nigerian playmaker in Premier League history.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.