Fulham claimed their first Premier League win of the 2026-27 season with a dominant 1-0 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, thanks to a first-half strike from Alex Iwobi.

The result lifted Álvaro Arbeloa’s side off the foot of the table and out of the relegation zone, ending a six-match winless start.

Nigerian internationals Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi starred for the hosts, while Semi Ajayi featured for the visitors in a hard-fought contest dominated by the Cottagers.

Iwobi delivered the decisive moment in the 33rd minute. After Hull failed to clear their lines, Sander Berge teed up the Super Eagles midfielder on the edge of the area. Iwobi whipped a low right-footed finish inside the near post (with a slight deflection helping it past goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis) to give Fulham a deserved lead.

The former Arsenal and Everton man was Fulham’s standout performer, completing the full 90 minutes, creating chances, and earning top ratings for his all-round display.

This was his first Premier League goal of the season and took his career tally to 36 top-flight goals.

Iwobi continues to etch his name into Premier League history among Nigerian players. He holds the all-time record for most appearances by a Nigerian in the competition (well over 320 across Arsenal, Everton and Fulham), and he remains the first Nigerian to reach both 30 goals and 30 assists in the Premier League.

His creativity and longevity have made him one of the most consistent Super Eagles exports in English football’s top tier.

At the other end, Calvin Bassey was immense in defence. The Fulham centre-back posted strong numbers including multiple clearances, tackles and duels won, helping keep Hull to zero shots on target despite the visitors’ efforts.

Bassey, who recently reached 100 Premier League appearances for Fulham (becoming only the second Nigerian to hit that milestone for the club after Iwobi), has three Premier League goals in his Fulham career and has established himself as a reliable, athletic presence since joining from Ajax in 2023. His composure and physicality were key as Fulham controlled 76% possession and registered 18 shots.

Semi Ajayi started at the heart of Hull’s defence and brought Premier League experience from his earlier spell at West Bromwich Albion.

The Nigeria international has three career Premier League goals across roughly 39 appearances (mostly with West Brom in 2020-21, plus his current stint with promoted Hull). Ajayi’s side struggled to create meaningful chances, managing just five shots and none on target, as Fulham’s midfield and defence, led by Bassey, limited the Tigers’ threat.

A loose pass from Ajayi early in the second half nearly led to a second Fulham goal, underlining the pressure Hull faced.

Fulham created further opportunities after the break, with Josh King denied by Tzolakis and Gonzalo García heading against the woodwork from an Iwobi cross.

A late red card for substitute Ryan Sessegnon was the only blemish on an otherwise impressive afternoon for the hosts. The win provides vital breathing space for Arbeloa ahead of a demanding fixture list.

The Nigerian trio’s involvement added extra intrigue to this Premier League encounter. Iwobi’s clinical finishing, Bassey’s defensive steel and Ajayi’s battle against familiar opposition highlighted the growing impact of Super Eagles talent in England’s top flight.

Fulham will hope this result marks the start of a climb up the table, while Hull look to bounce back from a disappointing away showing.

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