Nigerian stars hit historic 100-mark milestones in 2026

From career goals and club appearances to international caps and cricket centuries, Nigerian sportsmen have reached significant landmarks across different competitions in 2026, PETER AKINBO writes Tolu Arokodare…Photo Credit: Pulse Sports/ Imago Tolu Arokodare (Ajax) Arokodare scored his 100th career goal in Ajax’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League on October 22. The Nigerian striker came off the bench to break the deadlock before Abdellah Ouazane added a second in stoppage time.

Arokodare celebrated the achievement on social media, thanking God and those who had supported him throughout his career. His goals have come across several countries, including Latvia, France, Belgium, England and the Netherlands.  Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid) Lookman scored his 100th career goal on his Atletico Madrid debut, helping the Spanish side thrash Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey quarter-final in February.

The forward, who joined Atletico from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, also provided an assist for Antoine Griezmann. The milestone followed productive spells in several European leagues, particularly in Italy, where he established himself as one of Nigeria’s most influential attacking players. Taiwo Awoniyi  Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) Awoniyi marked his 100th appearance for Nottingham Forest with a brace in their 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in May.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources

The striker opened the scoring with a header before completing his brace in the second half, helping Forest secure an important win. Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022. Although injuries have disrupted his progress, his performance against Chelsea demonstrated his ability to make an impact when fit. Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi. Photo: Super Eagle  Alex Iwobi (Fulham)

Iwobi reached 100 appearances for Nigeria in June, becoming the fourth player to achieve the feat for the Super Eagles. The Fulham midfielder marked the milestone against Portugal in an international friendly, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in the exclusive group. Iwobi also reached 100 Premier League appearances for three different clubs — Arsenal, Everton and Fulham — underlining his consistency in English football. At 30, he remains an important figure for both club and country, having developed into one of Nigeria’s most experienced midfielders. File photo: Calvin Bassey  Calvin Bassey (Fulham) Bassey reached 100 Premier League appearances in October, becoming one of the Nigerian players to achieve the landmark in England’s top flight. The Fulham defender reached the milestone against Ipswich Town. He had also made more than 100 appearances for the London club across all competitions.

Since joining Fulham from Ajax in 2023, Bassey has developed into an important defensive figure, combining physical strength with his ability to carry the ball forward. Nathan Tella…Photo Credit: Pulse Sports  Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen) Tella made his 100th appearance for Bayer Leverkusen in their 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Cologne in April, providing an assist for Patrik Schick. The Nigerian winger joined Leverkusen from Southampton in 2023 and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title unbeaten in the 2023/24 season. His versatility and work rate have made him a useful option for the German club as he continues to seek regular playing time. PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 31: Moses Simon of Paris FC in action during the French Ligue 1 (L1) soccer match between Paris FC and Olympique de Marseille at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris, France on January 31, 2026. Mustafa Yalcin / Anadolu (Photo by MUSTAFA YALCIN / Anadolu via AFP)  Moses Simon (Paris FC) Simon reached 100 appearances for Nigeria in September during the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

The winger became the fifth Nigerian to reach a century of international appearances, joining Iwobi, Musa, Yobo and Enyeama. Simon has been a regular member of the national team for years, contributing his pace and attacking threat from the flanks. He joined Paris FC in 2025 after leaving Nantes. Rangers International striker Godwin Obaje  Godwin Obaje (Rangers) Obaje scored his 100th Nigeria Premier Football League goal in Rangers International’s 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in September. The striker converted an early penalty to join Victor Ezeji and Rabiu Ali in the league’s exclusive 100-goal club. Obaje’s goals have come across several domestic clubs, including Wikki Tourists, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Plateau United, Abia Warriors and Rangers. He also won the NPFL Golden Boot with Wikki Tourists in 2016. Kenneth Boniface  Kenneth Boniface (Nigeria U-19 cricket team)

Boniface recorded his maiden century at the ICC Under-19 World Cup qualifying tournament in Rwanda in August, scoring 100 off 74 balls against Sierra Leone. The Nigerian batter finished the tournament with 251 runs in five innings and was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player. His performance was a significant achievement for Nigerian cricket, highlighting the emerging talent in the country’s youth team.

Peter Akinbo Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories