Alex Iwobi was all smiles after Nigeria’s 4–1 win over Gabon, but the Super Eagles midfielder still had plenty to reflect on as he celebrated his 90th international cap.
Speaking to Dr Kelechi Anyikude of Sporty TV, he looked back on his journey, the battle in extra time, and the former Chelsea star who inspired him throughout his career, Footballrover reports.
“Hopefully I can get 90 more” — Alex Iwobi on 90 Caps
Iwobi didn’t hide how much the milestone meant to him. When asked how it felt to play 90 games for Nigeria, he said:
“It’s amazing. Hopefully I can get another 90 more. But it’s always an honour to represent our country, and I’m proud.”
His words summed up the night perfectly — a calm, grounded reflection from a player who has been part of the Super Eagles setup since 2015 and continues to grow in influence.
Most caps: Nigerian international
Ahmed Musa — 111
Vincent Enyeama — 101
Joseph Yobo — 100
Alex Iwobi — 90
John Obi Mikel — 90
Moses Simon — 86
Nwankwo Kanu — 86
Muda Lawal — 86
The match against Gabon pushed the team physically and mentally, especially when it dragged into extra time. But Iwobi said the extra 30 minutes didn’t worry him at all.
“I was so confident in my team that we got another 30-plus minutes to fight, another opportunity,” he said. Respect to Gabon, great team. They worked really well together. It’s just nice that we were able to get the result that we wanted.”
Nigeria eventually took full control, found their rhythm, and secured a convincing win to stay on course in the World Cup race.
Iwobi Reveals His Conversation with Aubameyang
After the final whistle, cameras caught Iwobi deep in conversation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — the former Arsenal teammate who later played for Chelsea.
Iwobi explained that their chat had nothing to do with tactics.
“It was just making sure that he’s good. There’s more than just football. I was asking about his family; he was asking about my family. Just making sure everyone’s good back home.”
Then came the line that grabbed attention:
“He (Aubameyang) is one of my biggest inspirations. I’m grateful to have him in my career and played with him. I wish him all the best in his footballing career and his family as well.”
Iwobi and Aubameyang shared the Arsenal dressing room during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, before Iwobi moved on in 2019.
Aubameyang, 36, arrived at Arsenal in 2018, scoring 68 goals in 128 matches before spells at Barcelona and later Chelsea in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
Their reunion in the Nigeria vs Gabon clash added a personal layer to the night, even though the result ultimately favoured Iwobi.
“Very, very doable” — Iwobi on hitting 100 caps next
Iwobi’s next big milestone is already in sight. Asked whether reaching 100 caps in the next 10 games is possible, he didn’t hesitate:
“Yeah, it’s very, very doable. I’m grateful to my God that he keeps me able and fit. Hopefully I can achieve that.”
After falling just short of South Africa in Group C—a result that would have sealed direct qualification for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States—Nigeria now face a far more complicated route.
Their next hurdle is DR Congo. Only a win will send them into the intercontinental playoff set for March.
If they advance, Nigeria’s world ranking should give them a single-match showdown against an opponent drawn from Asia, Oceania, South America, or the Concacaf region.
The winner of that tie earns a spot at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Alex Iwobi will be desperate for another shot at football’s biggest stage.
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