For more than seven decades, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have remained one of Africa’s most recognised national football teams, producing generations of players who have represented the country at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cup and other major international competitions. But only a handful have achieved the remarkable feat of wearing the green and white in at least 100 senior international matches.
The latest name to enter that exclusive club is Moses Simon, who made his 100th appearance for Nigeria during the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Madagascar in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Simon came on during the second half, replacing Akor Adams, and his appearance moved him into the historic Centurion Club. He became the 5th Nigerian player to reach 100 senior caps, joining Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi.
The achievement was particularly significant because Alex Iwobi was also on the pitch for Nigeria. Iwobi had only recently reached the same milestone when he made his 100th appearance against Portugal in June 2026.
Simon’s journey to 100 appearances began on March 25, 2015, when the then 19-year-old made his Super Eagles debut against Uganda under interim coach Daniel Amokachi. More than 11 years later, he completed his century against Madagascar.
Reflecting on the achievement, Simon said, “Of course, this gives me joy and it is a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles. It is a dream come true. I never believed I would play 100 games but I believe one thing, whenever I am called up, I will be there to give one hundred per cent.”
He also acknowledged the coaches, journalists, supporters, family and friends who helped him remain committed to the national team.
Before Simon’s arrival, Ahmed Musa was the most-capped Nigerian player. Musa has made more than 110 appearances for the Super Eagles and remains one of the most experienced players in the country’s history. He made his senior debut in 2010 and went on to represent Nigeria at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups.
Musa’s international career also contains one of Nigeria’s most important recent successes. He was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa under the late Stephen Keshi. That victory gave Nigeria its third AFCON title.
He is remembered not only for his longevity but also for his goals, pace and memorable performances, particularly at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored twice against Argentina.
Vincent Enyeama is another giant of Nigerian football. The former goalkeeper became one of the longest-serving players in the history of the Super Eagles. Enyeama made his Nigeria debut in 2002 and went on to become the country’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years.
His international career included the 2002, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was also part of Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON-winning team.
Enyeama was renowned for his penalty-saving ability, leadership and consistency. For many years, he was the last line of defence for the Super Eagles and became one of the most respected goalkeepers Nigeria has produced.
Joseph Yobo was the first Nigerian footballer to reach the 100-cap landmark. The former captain made his senior debut in 2001 and remained with the Super Eagles until 2014.
A powerful and composed central defender, Yobo played at the highest level in Europe, particularly with Everton in the English Premier League. He captained Nigeria for several years and represented the country at three World Cups.
Like Musa and Enyeama, Yobo was a member of the 2013 AFCON-winning team. His leadership at the back made him one of the defining defenders of his generation.
Then came Alex Iwobi, who became the fourth Nigerian to reach 100 appearances. The Fulham midfielder made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 after rising through the youth system at Arsenal.
Iwobi has represented Nigeria at major tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualification cycles and several Africa Cup of Nations competitions. His 100th appearance came against Portugal in June 2026, making him the fourth member of the exclusive club.
Iwobi’s career has also been marked by one of Nigeria’s most memorable World Cup qualification moments. His goal against Zambia in 2017 helped secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Moses Simon now completes the five-man list. His career has been built around pace, direct running, work rate and his ability to operate on either flank. From his early days with AS Trenèín in Slovakia to spells with Gent, Levante, Nantes and Paris FC, Simon has built a long European career while remaining a regular presence for Nigeria.
He has also experienced both triumph and disappointment with the Super Eagles. Simon was part of the team that won bronze at the 2019 AFCON, reached the final of the 2023 tournament and finished third at the 2025 edition. Nigeria lost the 2023 final, meaning Simon, unlike Musa, Yobo and Enyeama, is yet to win the senior AFCON title with the Super Eagles.
Sports journalists and analysts have described Simon’s achievement as a product of consistency and longevity. One analysis described reaching 100 caps as “an incredible feat of professionalism, talent and patriotism,” while also pointing to the different generations and coaching regimes Simon has successfully played under.
Another assessment highlighted Simon’s pace, defensive tracking and contribution in the final third, describing his longevity as evidence of his adaptability and commitment to the national team.
The 5 Super Eagles centurions now stand as a unique representation of different eras of Nigerian football: Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.
For Simon, however, the 100-cap milestone is not necessarily the end of the journey. As he put it after the Madagascar match, whenever Nigeria calls, he intends to “give one hundred per cent.”
With Iwobi and Simon now both members of the Centurion Club, Nigerian football has entered another chapter in its history, with two active players carrying the legacy established by Yobo, Enyeama and Musa.
By Benprince Ezeh
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