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…as midfielder tops Nigeria’s EPL playmakers chart
Alex Iwobi has etched his name in Premier League history as the Nigerian with the most assists, 30, surpassing Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu’s previous record of 29.
The Fulham midfielder’s 30th assist in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Craven Cottage has solidified his status as the top Nigerian playmaker in the English top flight.
Iwobi will have the opportunity to extend that record on Saturday (today) when Fulham face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, where he will come up against compatriots Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi in a clash between two teams enjoying admirable unbeaten runs this season.
Nottingham Forest, currently eighth in the table, are aiming to go six games without defeat at season’s start for the first time in 10 years. However, they will be without the suspended Morgan Gibbs-White, a potential blow to their chances.
Fulham, fresh from their 3-1 win over Newcastle United, sit just one place and one point behind Forest. Marco Silva’s men have both scored and conceded in each of their last four games, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.
The last meeting between these sides at the City Ground ended in a 3-1 victory for Forest, but Fulham exacted revenge with a 5-0 thrashing at Craven Cottage in December.
With both teams in good form, Saturday’s clash promises to be thrilling and unpredictable.
Iwobi’s assist milestone came in his 258th Premier League appearance, a testament to his longevity and creative prowess in midfield.
The 28-year-old set up former Arsenal teammate Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham’s second goal, further cementing his position as one of Africa’s premier midfielders in the league.
Since making his Arsenal debut under Arsène Wenger in 2015, Iwobi has undergone a remarkable transformation from forward to highly effective midfielder. This evolution has enhanced his growth and success in the Premier League.
After departing Arsenal in 2019, Iwobi joined Everton, where his playmaking abilities flourished. His stint with the Toffees saw him adapt to new roles, showcasing his versatility and work rate. Now at Fulham, Iwobi continues to evolve, becoming an integral part of Marco Silva’s setup and contributing both offensively and defensively.
In second place, Nwankwo Kanu provided 29 assists in the Premier League across spells at Arsenal, West Brom, and Portsmouth. Yakubu Ayegbeni, who is Nigeria’s top goal scorer in the league, is third with 26 assists, which he provided at Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers.
Kelechi Iheanacho comes in fourth place with 25 assists, made across spells at Manchester City and Leicester City before moving to Sevilla in 2024.
Fifth on the list is Shola Ameobi, who in his time at Newcastle and Crystal Palace provided 20 assists.
