Alex Iwobi moved closer to a place among the Premier League’s most enduring African players on Saturday, as Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Oscar Bobb’s 80th minute strike settled the contest, giving Alvaro Arbeloa’s side back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. But the afternoon also brought a significant personal milestone for Iwobi, who continued to build on his impressive record in English football.
The Nigeria international started on the left wing and played 73 minutes before making way for Cesar Palacios. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Iwobi remained involved in Fulham’s play, recording 60 touches, completing 51 passes at 86.3 per cent accuracy, creating two key passes and delivering three crosses.
He also had a close-range effort blocked after Josh King’s attempt struck the bar. His appearance, however, carried significance beyond the match statistics.
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The Fulham midfielder made his 328th Premier League appearance, drawing level with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah as the joint second most capped African player in the competition’s history.
Only former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender Kolo Toure stands ahead of them, with 353 appearances.
Iwobi’s total spans three English clubs: 100 appearances for Arsenal, 123 for Everton and 104 for Fulham. That record also makes him Nigeria’s leading appearance maker in Premier League history, ahead of Shola Ameobi, who made 298 appearances.
The 29-year-old now has the opportunity to move outright into second place when Fulham face Aston Villa in their next league fixture.
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The milestone arrived on a positive day for Fulham, who secured consecutive Premier League victories for the first time this season.
Bobb proved decisive with his late winner, weaving past a defender in a crowded penalty area before firing into the bottom corner in the 80th minute.
Iwobi’s contribution helped Fulham see out the result, while fellow Nigerian Calvin Bassey started and played his part in a clean sheet.
Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, introduced Super Eagles players Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi as second-half substitutes, but neither could help the hosts find an equaliser.
The victory lifted Fulham to 13th in the table, with eight points from eight matches.
