Chukwueze Delivers on Return as Fulham Fight Back
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze announced his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty in emphatic fashion, scoring a crucial equaliser as Fulham rallied to a 2–1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage.
Introduced in the 59th minute with Fulham trailing, Chukwueze required little time to make his presence felt, injecting urgency and directness into the hosts’ attack at a pivotal moment.
A Goal That Changed the Game
Fulham had struggled to impose themselves after falling behind, but the dynamic winger tilted the contest in the home side’s favour in the 72nd minute. Latching onto a perfectly weighted long pass from Joachim Andersen, Chukwueze showed composure beyond the moment, calmly slotting into the bottom corner to draw Fulham level.
The strike electrified the stadium and swung momentum decisively, with Brighton suddenly forced onto the back foot.
Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, was quick to highlight the quality of the finish.
“What a finish it is — Thierry Henry-style, but on his left-hand side,” Merson said. “It’s a great ball to him. Brilliant.”
Fulham Complete the Turnaround
With Brighton reeling, Fulham pressed on. Their persistence was rewarded in stoppage time when Harry Wilson struck a long-range free kick to complete the comeback and secure all three points for Marco Silva’s side.
The victory marked a significant moment for Fulham, who had been without a win in three matches, and underlined the impact of Chukwueze’s return at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Silva Hails AFCON Returnees
Fulham head coach Marco Silva later praised the influence of his Nigerian contingent, noting that the return of Chukwueze and his international teammates had lifted standards both on and off the pitch.
According to Silva, the squad had missed the intensity, leadership and competitive edge the players brought during their time away at AFCON, qualities that were evident in Fulham’s response against Brighton.
A Strong Signal Going Forward
For Chukwueze, the goal was more than a personal milestone. It reaffirmed his importance to Fulham’s attacking structure and his ability to change games from the bench or the start.
As the Premier League season enters a demanding phase, Fulham will take confidence from a comeback driven by returning international quality — and from a Nigerian winger who wasted no time reminding England of his class.
Graphic Caption: Samuel Chukwueze celebrates after scoring the equaliser in Fulham’s 2–1 Premier League comeback win over Brighton at Craven Cottage.
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