Samuel Chukwueze made Super Eagles history on Tuesday when he surpassed the appearance records of two of Nigeria’s greatest strikers, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Rashidi Yekini, after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute of Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Jordan in the four-nation invitational tournament in Antalya, Turkey.

The Fulham winger’s appearance against Jordan was his 58th cap for the Super Eagles, moving him past the 57-appearance mark set by Yakubu and Yekini and drawing level with Kelechi Iheanacho on the all-time appearance charts.

It was an eventful afternoon at the Mardan Antalyaspor Stadium. Jordan’s Mousa Tamari opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Moses Simon levelled matters in the 26th minute, finishing a half-volley into the bottom corner after Ademola Lookman’s deflected shot fell into his path. Emmanuel Fernandez, on his second cap, then put Nigeria ahead just before the break, tapping in composedly from Frank Onyeka’s cross at the back post.

Nigeria appeared to be cruising towards victory, but the game took a difficult turn when goalkeeper Francis Uzoho went down following a clearance in the 57th minute and had to be replaced by Adebayo Adeleye. Two minutes later, Eric Chelle made a double change, introducing Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi for Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika. Jordan drew level through Mohammad Al-Daoud in the 77th minute, and four minutes later, Chelle turned to Chukwueze, sending him on for Simon, while Philip Otele also came on for Frank Onyeka to earn his first senior cap. The changes could not tilt the game back in Nigeria’s favour as the match ended two goals apiece.

Chukwueze had already been in fine form during the international break, providing the assist for Simon’s goal in last Friday’s 2-1 win over Iran, the match in which he drew level with Yakubu and Yekini on 57 caps.

His journey to this landmark has been built over nearly eight years of loyal service to the national team. The 26-year-old was first called up in October 2018 and made his debut a month later in a goalless draw against Uganda. Before that, he had already shown his quality at the youth level, finishing the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup with three goals to claim the bronze boot award as Nigeria won the tournament.

Since breaking into the senior setup, Chukwueze has proven himself across multiple managerial regimes, representing Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He won a silver medal at the 2023 edition and claimed bronze medals at both the 2019 and 2025 editions. He was also part of the Super Eagles squad that lifted the Unity Cup in 2025, with victories over Ghana and Jamaica.

His 58 caps are spread across 19 AFCON appearances, 15 in AFCON qualifiers, 10 in World Cup qualifiers and 14 in international friendlies.

While Ahmed Musa’s all-time record of 111 caps remains a distant target, Chukwueze’s age and consistent form suggest he has plenty of time yet to climb further up the rankings.