Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians at home and across the diaspora as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the national team in Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal in Leiria.

The Fulham star, who will become only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the century mark in international appearances, said he remains proud of his decision to represent Nigeria despite having featured for England at youth level.

“I am proud to be where I am today; proud to wear the green-and-white,” Iwobi said. “I am grateful to everyone, including the coach who called me up to the team for the first time. I have no regrets choosing Nigeria.”

Iwobi made his senior debut for Nigeria on October 8, 2015, in a friendly match against DR Congo in Visé, Belgium. Incidentally, it remains a notable date in Nigerian football history. October 8 marks the anniversary of Nigeria’s first-ever international match, and over the decades, it has often brought good fortune to the national team. The defeat to DR Congo was only the second loss Nigeria had suffered on that date in 77 years of international football.

Remarkably, 128 months after that debut, Iwobi—nephew of Nigerian football icon Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha—is set to celebrate his 100th cap in another friendly match on European soil.

Reflecting on the journey that has taken him from a promising youngster to one of Nigeria’s most experienced internationals, the 30-year-old revealed that he always felt a strong connection to his roots.

“I first went to the Nigeria U23 team camp and felt at home. I had represented England at youth level but always felt Nigeria was home,” he explained. “My father always told me to go out there and enjoy my football, and make the decision that I felt was good for me. He was part of the decision, but he didn’t force it down on me.”

Despite reaching a milestone achieved by only a select few Nigerian players, Iwobi remains humble about his place in the game’s history.

“After 10 years and eight months, I won’t say I am a legend; I only see myself as a Super Eagles player. It feels great to be looking at a 100th cap and, on a lighter note, I wish I could add another 100 caps. I have enjoyed my time with the Super Eagles.”

Among his many memories in national colours, Iwobi singled out his decisive goal against Zambia in Uyo in October 2017 as the most memorable moment of his international career. The strike sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards. It was an exciting moment,” he recalled.

While he acknowledged that winning the Africa Cup of Nations and featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have further enriched his career, he remains content with his journey.

“Yes, I would have loved to win the AFCON and perhaps be with the Eagles at the FIFA World Cup that is about to kick off in a few days, but no regrets.”

Iwobi’s father, Barrister Chuka Iwobi, described the family’s pride in the midfielder’s achievement and thanked Nigeria for the opportunity afforded his son.

“We remain ever grateful to the nation for the opportunity Alex has been given,” he said. “When he made his debut in 2015, little did we know that this was the beginning of an amazing and incredible journey which would lead to him achieving the milestone of a hundred caps and with the potential of many more caps to come.”

He praised his son’s commitment to the national team, adding: “Alex loves playing for the nation and always gives his best. No one can ever question his commitment, devotion and patriotism while wearing the green-and-white. There have been highs and lows over the years, but he has emerged stronger from the experience of playing for the country.”

Iwobi’s international career has seen him feature at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning a silver medal in 2023 and bronze medals in 2019 and 2025. He also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

His impending 100th cap places him in an elite group of Nigerian footballers. Former captain Joseph Yobo was the first Super Eagles player to reach the milestone, doing so during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against France at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama followed, earning his 100th cap in a friendly match against Uganda in Uyo.

Current captain Ahmed Musa became the third member of the exclusive club in 2021, with his landmark appearance coming in Nigeria’s victory over the Central African Republic in Yaoundé, Cameroon—a feat made even more memorable by the team’s victory on the occasion.

Now, as he prepares to join that distinguished company, Iwobi will hope to mark the occasion with a memorable performance and a victory against Portugal, adding another proud chapter to an international career spanning more than a decade and defined by consistency, commitment and unwavering loyalty to the green-and-white colours of Nigeria.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 3-0 in the second of their two international friendly matches at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Monday.

After being frustrated by a resilient Senegalese side in a goalless first half, the nine-time African champions found their cutting edge after the break to delight home fans with a convincing victory.

The Super Falcons began brightly and almost made an instant breakthrough when captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered an early set-piece in the opening minute. However, the opportunity went begging as Senegal survived the early pressure.

Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings, with Joy Omewa causing problems for the visitors’ defence. Despite creating several promising chances, the hosts struggled to find the finishing touch. A gilt-edged opportunity was squandered in the 13th minute, while Omewa came agonisingly close two minutes later after rounding the goalkeeper, only to see her effort crash against the woodwork.

Gift Monday remained a constant menace throughout the first half, stretching the Senegalese backline and helping Nigeria maintain territorial dominance. Yet the breakthrough proved elusive as both sides headed into the interval deadlocked at 0-0.

The Falcons finally got the reward for their persistence three minutes into the second half. Defender Shukurat Oladipo delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Omewa rose highest to power a header beyond the goalkeeper and hand Nigeria a deserved lead in the 48th minute.

The goal transformed the contest as the Super Falcons grew in confidence and began to impose themselves completely. Seven minutes later, Omewa struck again, showing strength and determination to burst through the Senegalese defence before calmly finishing to double Nigeria’s advantage.

With the Teranga Lionesses struggling to contain the hosts’ attacking waves, the Falcons added a third goal in the 66th minute. Ajibade embarked on a dazzling run before providing a perfectly weighted pass for substitute Asisat Oshoala, who had replaced the two-goal Omewa, to finish clinically and put the result beyond doubt.

Nigeria continued to control possession and remained defensively solid for the remainder of the match, ensuring goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening as the Falcons secured a clean sheet.

The victory capped an impressive performance by the Super Falcons, who combined attacking flair with defensive discipline to underline their credentials ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

For head coach Justin Madugu and his team, the emphatic win provides further encouragement as the defending champions intensify their preparations for the continental showpiece, where they aim to extend their dominance of women’s football in Africa.

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As Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) prepares for a return to continental football in 2027, an intriguing question is once again stirring conversations among Nigerian football enthusiasts: Is there a mystical connection between the Salami family and the club’s success on the African stage?

The question may sound fanciful, but the historical record provides enough evidence to make even the most sceptical observer pause.

For more than half a century, the fortunes of Shooting Stars and the Salami family have appeared remarkably intertwined, particularly when it comes to continental triumphs.

That fascinating relationship was the focus of the weekend’s edition of “90 Minutes with Mathematical”, the popular radio programme hosted by Nigerian football legend and former Shooting Stars player, Segun Odegbami.

Chief Olalekan “Lekan” Salami, the legendary football administrator and philanthropist, whose passion for the game shaped Nigerian football for nearly four decades. Closely identified with Shooting Stars Sports Club, Salami remained a towering influence in the club’s affairs until his death in March 1988, on the eve of a crucial meeting concerning his beloved team. Today, his legacy endures through the stadium in Ibadan that proudly bears his name.

Odegbami hosted the breakfast conversation with Yomi Salami, one of the sons of the late Chief Olalekan Sanusi Salami, the iconic football administrator whose influence on Nigerian football remains profound nearly four decades after his death.

Chief Olalekan Sanusi Salami was one of the towering figures of African football from the 1960s until his passing in March 1988.

Widely regarded as one of the founding architects of Shooting Stars International FC, he played a pivotal role in shaping professional football in Nigeria and helped transform Ibadan into one of the country’s foremost football centres.

His impact extended beyond administration. He nurtured and mentored generations of footballers, among them Odegbami himself, who would go on to become one of Nigeria’s greatest players.

Salami’s crowning achievement came in 1976 when Shooting Stars won the African Cup Winners’ Cup, becoming the first Nigerian club to capture a continental title.

That victory was a watershed moment for Nigerian football, proving that local clubs could compete successfully against Africa’s finest.

A Curious Pattern Emerges

What followed over the next several decades has become part of Shooting Stars folklore.

In 1992, four years after Chief Salami’s death, his eldest son, Yomi Salami, joined the club’s board. That same year, Shooting Stars won the CAF Cup, securing their second continental trophy.

Six years later, another son, Owolabi Salami, served on the club’s board. In 1998, Shooting Stars added the WAFU Cup to their growing collection of honours.

Now, history appears poised to offer another intriguing chapter.

Following an impressive campaign, Shooting Stars have qualified for continental competition in the 2027 season. Coincidentally—or perhaps not, depending on one’s perspective—the club is currently chaired by Taiwo Salami, yet another son of the late football benefactor.

The timing has inevitably revived memories of previous triumphs and prompted speculation among supporters about whether another continental success could be on the horizon.

Coincidence or Legacy?

For many followers of Nigerian football, the recurring connection is difficult to ignore.

Each time a member of the Salami family has occupied a position of influence within the club, continental silverware has followed.

Whether this is merely a coincidence, the result of strong football management, or a testament to a family tradition deeply rooted in the culture of the club remains open to interpretation.

What is beyond dispute is that the Salami name continues to command enormous respect within Shooting Stars and throughout Nigerian football.

The family has maintained its association with the club across generations, preserving a legacy established by a man who devoted much of his life to football development.

Beyond the Salami-Shooting Stars story, the programme will also examine the resurgence of government-owned clubs in Nigerian football.

For years, privately funded clubs appeared to be gaining dominance in the domestic game. However, traditional government-backed sides such as Shooting Stars have shown renewed competitiveness, reclaiming their place among the country’s elite teams.

The discussion is expected to explore whether this resurgence represents a sustainable trend and what it means for the future of club football in Nigeria.

Awaiting Another Chapter

As Shooting Stars prepare to test themselves once more against Africa’s best clubs, supporters will be hoping that history repeats itself.

The club’s three major international titles have all arrived during periods when the Salami family occupied influential positions within its leadership structure.

With Taiwo Salami now at the helm and continental football beckoning once again, the stage is set for another chapter in one of Nigerian football’s most enduring and intriguing relationships.

Whether destiny, coincidence or simply the continuation of a proud family tradition, the connection between the Salamis and Shooting Stars remains one of the game’s most fascinating stories.

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