Sports News of Saturday, 17 October 2026

Source: www.afrik-foot.com

Iwobi vs Odemwingie: How Fulham star is closing in on Super Eagles legend’s Premier League record

Alex Iwobi was on target for Fulham against Hull City Alex Iwobi was on target for Fulham against Hull City

Alex Iwobi moved closer to Peter Odemwingie on the all-time list of Nigerian goalscorers in the Premier League after scoring the decisive goal in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Super Eagles midfielder struck in the 33rd minute to give Fulham a much-needed victory, their first in the 2026-27 Premier League season, and lift them out of the relegation zone.

Iwobi’s goal was his 36th in the English topflight, leaving him just one behind Odemwingie’s tally of 37. The former West Bromwich Albion striker occupies sixth place on the Nigerian goalscorers’ chart, while the Fulham midfielder sits seventh.




Alex Iwobi closes in on Odemwingie after Fulham breakthrough

Alex Iwobi delivered when Fulham needed him most, producing the moment that separated the two teams after a difficult start to their league campaign.

The 30-year-old received the ball from Sander Berge, who registered his first assist of the season, before unleashing a first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis failed to keep the shot out as the ball slipped into the bottom corner.

A VAR check followed, but the goal was allowed to stand, a delight to Iwobi who had been in good form recently.

Iwobi’s contribution extended beyond the winning strike. Operating as a central creator, he completed 56 passes, registered three key passes and covered 12.06 kilometres, as he stamped his influence on Fulham’s midfield.

The hosts controlled proceedings with 78 per cent possession, although they had to endure a nervy finish after Ryan Sessegnon received a straight red card in the fourth minute of stoppage time for a dangerous challenge on Robinio Vaz.

Despite the late setback, Fulham held on to secure three vital points. The result offered relief to manager Álvaro Arbeloa after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Alex Iwobi, though, continues his march towards Nigerian Premier League greatness.

The all-time Nigerian scoring chart is led by Yakubu Aiyegbeni with 95 goals, followed by Nwankwo Kanu with 54 and Efan Ekoku with 52. Shola Ameobi has 43, while Kelechi Iheanacho has scored 42. Odemwingie stands on 37, with Iwobi now just one goal behind him.

Odemwingie reached his 37-goal tally in just 129 Premier League appearances, scoring 30 times for West Brom, once for Cardiff City and six times for Stoke City.

Iwobi, by contrast, has built his tally over 259 appearances, combining creativity, versatility and longevity across Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.

He scored 15 Premier League goals for Arsenal, added nine at Everton and has now reached 12 for Fulham.

With their first win of the season, Iwobi’s Fulham rise from the foot of the table to 16th position, with a point advantage over the relegation zone.