Nigerian international Alex Iwobi proved decisive for Fulham on Saturday after his first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over Hull City, ending the London club’s difficult start to the 2026/2027 Premier League campaign.

The victory at Craven Cottage on October 17 marked Fulham’s first league win of the season after six previous matches without a victory, providing much-needed relief for manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who had faced mounting pressure following his team’s poor results.

Iwobi broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a loose ball around the edge of the penalty area. After Sander Berge laid the ball into his path, the Super Eagles midfielder unleashed a low drive that took a deflection before slipping past Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

The goal gave Fulham a deserved advantage after a promising start, with the hosts creating several opportunities to extend their lead. Iwobi remained influential in attack, coming close to scoring again in the second half, while his cross later found Gonzalo García, whose header struck the crossbar.

Despite Fulham’s attacking dominance, the hosts failed to add to their tally, leaving the contest open until the final minutes. Hull struggled to produce a meaningful response, finding it difficult to trouble Fulham’s defence throughout much of the encounter.

The closing stages brought further drama when Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon was sent off in stoppage time for a late challenge on Hull substitute Robinio Vaz. Reduced to 10 men, Fulham nevertheless held on to claim all three points.

The result lifted Fulham off the bottom of the Premier League table and out of the relegation zone, offering Arbeloa a significant boost after a frustrating opening stretch of the campaign. The victory also provided evidence that the team could turn its attacking promise into positive results.

For Iwobi, the match represented another important contribution to Fulham’s efforts to regain their footing in England’s top flight. His decisive finish underlined the value of the Nigerian midfielder’s presence as the club seeks greater consistency in the weeks ahead.

Fulham will now look to build on the result, while Hull must address their disappointing performance and improve their attacking threat as the season progresses.

Source: Match reports by Sky Sports and The Guardian, October 17, 2026.