Alex Iwobi closes in on Kolo Toure’s African Premier League appearance record

Alex Iwobi moved to within 25 matches of becoming Africa’s most-capped player in English Premier League history after helping Fulham draw 1-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Nigeria international started at Villa Park and played 75 minutes as Fulham secured a valuable away point. His corner led to the opening goal when Aston Villa’s goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his own net, giving Iwobi a credited assist.

The result also carried personal significance for the 30-year-old. By appearing against Aston Villa, Iwobi overtook Egypt and former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah to become the second-highest African appearance-maker in Premier League history.

Iwobi had gone into the match level with Salah on 328 Premier League appearances after the previous week’s fixture. His latest outing took his total to 329.

Only former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure now stands ahead of him. Toure made 353 Premier League appearances during spells with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, leaving Iwobi 25 games short of the record.

Iwobi’s consistent involvement means he has a strong opportunity to pass that total this season, provided he avoids injury. Fulham have 29 matches remaining, and he has started each of their games so far.

The midfielder first established himself at Arsenal in 2015 after progressing through the club’s youth system and captaining their under-21 team. He moved to Everton in 2019, spending four seasons at Goodison Park, before returning to London to join Fulham in September 2023.

In his 329 Premier League appearances, Iwobi has scored 36 goals. Eleven came during his time with Arsenal, six for Everton and 19 since joining Fulham.

His current role at Fulham has varied. He has featured in central and attacking midfield, on either wing and as a playmaker during his time at the club.

Breaking Toure’s record would represent another significant landmark in Iwobi’s career. In September, he became the fifth player of any nationality to make at least 100 Premier League appearances for three different clubs.

He joined an exclusive group containing Gary Speed, Rory Delap, Gareth Barry and James Milner. His next objective is to make at least 25 more Premier League appearances and claim the record for the most games by an African player in the competition.

Iwobi’s latest display against Aston Villa, combined with his regular starting place and Fulham’s remaining 29 fixtures, gives him a realistic chance of reaching the landmark before the end of the season.