Alex Iwobi equalled Peter Odemwingie’s record of 36 Premier League goals by scoring the winner in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, ending his side’s winless start to the 2026-27 campaign.

The Super Eagles midfielder struck in the first half to secure Fulham’s first league victory of the season, moving him joint-sixth on the list of Nigeria’s all-time Premier League goalscorers alongside former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City forward Odemwingie.

Iwobi’s performance also earned praise from former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood, who described the Nigerian as one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.

The victory was a timely boost for Fulham and manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who had faced scrutiny following the team’s difficult start to the campaign.

Iwobi Ends Fulham’s Winless Run

Iwobi scored the only goal of the match in the 33rd minute after Sander Berge won a loose ball and played it to the Nigerian on the edge of the penalty area.

The 30-year-old midfielder’s low effort took a slight deflection off Lucas Herrington before beating Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who was unable to get across to his near post.

The strike was Iwobi’s first goal of the 2026-27 season and proved decisive as Fulham held on to claim all three points.

The result ended Fulham’s winless run in the league after they began the campaign with four defeats and two draws.

The victory took their points tally to five and lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Iwobi described the result as a huge relief for the players, coaching staff and supporters, saying the team’s performances in previous weeks had deserved better results.

“It’s a massive relief for everyone: the players, the manager and the fans,” Iwobi told club media.

“We’ve felt for a few weeks that our performances deserved more than the points we had on the board, so to get that first win, especially at home, feels amazing.”

Speaking to Fulham TV, the midfielder also insisted that the victory had been a long time coming.

“The win was a long time coming. We have performed well even though the results spoke otherwise,” Iwobi told Fulham TV.

“The manager has asked us to keep going and hopefully the luck will go our way and it has now started, we just have to kick on and we just have to use this momentum for the rest of the season.”

Sherwood Calls Iwobi One of EPL's Most Underrated Players

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood praised Iwobi’s contribution after the midfielder’s Man of the Match performance against Hull.

Sherwood highlighted the Nigerian’s consistency, versatility and ability to operate in different midfield positions, noting the number of matches he plays and the quality of his performances.

"Berger in midfield as well has full control of it and King and Oscar Bob up the top. He was amazing. He can still develop."

He continued:

"He needs to work on his finishing and Awobi must be one of the most underrated players in the Premier League."

Sherwood also praised Iwobi’s ability to maintain high standards while playing in different roles, although he noted that Fulham were facing Hull City.

"The amount of games he churns out, different positions where he plays."

"He was an excellent goal scorer but he was absolutely fantastic, but, I have to say but, they're up against Hull City."

The praise comes as Iwobi continues to establish himself as an important figure in Fulham’s midfield with his latest goal, influencing at both ends of the pitch.

Iwobi Admits Fulham Must Improve in Front of Goal

After securing the major victory, Iwobi acknowledged that Fulham could have been more clinical in front of goal.

The hosts created several opportunities, registering 10 shots in the first half alone, but their inability to convert more of those chances meant they had to protect their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

Iwobi believes the team will eventually score more goals if they continue creating opportunities.

He also pointed to Fulham’s clean sheet as an important foundation for future results, explaining that defensive solidity gives the team a better chance of winning matches.

Fulham had to withstand additional pressure after Ryan Sessegnon was sent off in stoppage time, leaving the hosts to see out the closing moments with 10 men.

The ability to preserve their lead despite the late setback provided a further boost after weeks of disappointing results.

First Premier League Win for Arbeloa

The victory also marked Arbeloa’s first Premier League win since taking charge of Fulham in July.

The manager had faced questions over his position following the club’s poor start, but the three points offered some breathing room and an opportunity to rebuild confidence within the squad.

Despite the significance of the result, Arbeloa said the performance was not significantly different from what Fulham had produced in previous matches.

That assessment echoed Iwobi’s belief that the team had often performed better than their results suggested, with the midfielder hoping Saturday’s victory would mark the beginning of a more consistent run.

For Fulham, the challenge now is to turn the result into sustained progress rather than allow it to become an isolated success.

Iwobi Targets More Goals as Fulham Look Ahead

Iwobi’s strike took him to 36 Premier League goals, drawing him level with Odemwingie among Nigeria’s leading scorers in the competition.

The landmark adds another achievement to the midfielder’s career as he continues to contribute goals, creativity and versatility for Fulham.

However, the Nigerian will be focused on helping his side climb further up the table after their difficult opening to the season.

Fulham will visit Coventry City on Saturday, October 24, where Iwobi will hope to continue his scoring form and help Arbeloa’s team build on their first league victory.

With confidence restored and their first win secured, Fulham will be looking to turn the momentum from the Hull match into a more consistent run of results.

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