Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has joined an elite group of Premier League players after reaching 100 appearances for Fulham in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

Despite Fulham’s disappointing loss, Iwobi achieved a significant personal milestone by becoming only the fifth player in Premier League history to make at least 100 appearances for three different clubs.

The Nigerian international started the encounter against Crystal Palace to reach the landmark, having previously made 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and 123 for Everton.

Iwobi now joins an exclusive list featuring Gary Speed, Rory Delap, Gareth Barry and James Milner, all of whom have also reached a century of Premier League appearances with three different clubs. 

The achievement further underlines the longevity of Iwobi’s career in England’s top flight, having established himself as a regular performer for three Premier League clubs.

The 30-year-old was involved in Fulham’s attacking play against Palace, taking set pieces and attempting an effort inside the visitors’ penalty area.

Fulham made a bright start and took the lead in the 11th minute through Joshua King, whose effort from inside the box took a deflection before beating Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Palace thought they had equalised later in the half, but Tyrick Mitchell’s first effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Mitchell eventually got his goal in the 35th minute to bring Crystal Palace level.

Fulham responded before the break, with Cesar Palacios restoring the hosts’ advantage in the 42nd minute after reacting quickest to a rebound.

Crystal Palace, however, produced a strong second-half comeback.

Mitchell completed his brace in the 54th minute to make it 2-2 before Ben Chilwell completed Palace’s turnaround in the 77th minute, reacting quickest to another rebound and firing into the bottom-right corner.

The defeat denied Fulham what would have been a positive result on a memorable afternoon for Iwobi.

The Super Eagles midfielder’s milestone, however, provides a notable individual highlight from the contest.

Iwobi was not the only Nigerian international on the pitch, with fellow Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey also featuring for Fulham.

The achievement places Iwobi alongside some of the most experienced names in Premier League history and further cements his status as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players in the competition.