Iwobi Everest: Nears Record for Most PL Matches by Nigerian Midfielder
Fulham have unveiled the squad numbers for the 2025–26 season as they prepare for their Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion. Alex Iwobi will sport the familiar number 17, while Calvin Bassey retains number 3 both carrying over the same numbers from last season.
Both players are primed to feature in the season’s opening fixture they were named in the starting XI for Fulham’s final pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Iwobi, who graduated from the Hale End Academy, returned to pre-season early after seeking exemption from Nigeria’s post-season friendlies against Ghana, Jamaica and Russia.
If he remains fit, he is on track to become the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances before the end of 2025, sitting just seven matches shy of Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi, who currently holds the record with 298 top-flight games.
Last season, Iwobi took part in all 38 Premier League matches only the second time in his career he has achieved that, replicating his 2022–23 campaign with Everton.
Editorial
We believe this isn’t merely a case of jersey numbers being assigned it symbolises consistency and ambition. Iwobi and Bassey returning with familiar squad numbers signals stability a foundation now ready for the crackling intensity of a new season. Their early arrival and full participation in pre-season underscore their determination to hit the ground running.
We feel that Iwobi’s pursuit of the appearance record is underpinned by more than personal achievement it represents years of resilient performance. Being just seven games away from surpassing a longstanding Premier League benchmark should fuel not only his ambition, but invigorate his teammates.
Fulham have unveiled the squad numbers for the 2025–26 season as they prepare for their Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion. Alex Iwobi will sport the familiar number 17, while Calvin Bassey retains number 3 both carrying over the same numbers from last season.
Both players are primed to feature in the season’s opening fixture they were named in the starting XI for Fulham’s final pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Iwobi, who graduated from the Hale End Academy, returned to pre-season early after seeking exemption from Nigeria’s post-season friendlies against Ghana, Jamaica and Russia.
If he remains fit, he is on track to become the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances before the end of 2025, sitting just seven matches shy of Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi, who currently holds the record with 298 top-flight games.
Last season, Iwobi took part in all 38 Premier League matches only the second time in his career he has achieved that, replicating his 2022–23 campaign with Everton.
Editorial
We believe this isn’t merely a case of jersey numbers being assigned it symbolises consistency and ambition. Iwobi and Bassey returning with familiar squad numbers signals stability a foundation now ready for the crackling intensity of a new season. Their early arrival and full participation in pre-season underscore their determination to hit the ground running.
We feel that Iwobi’s pursuit of the appearance record is underpinned by more than personal achievement it represents years of resilient performance. Being just seven games away from surpassing a longstanding Premier League benchmark should fuel not only his ambition, but invigorate his teammates.