Samuel Chukwueze is back in the headlines — and this time for all the right reasons. The Nigerian winger has hit a blistering run of form in the Premier League, delivering goals, assists and electrifying wing play that has reignited his status as one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards. But just as Fulham fans begin to celebrate a reborn Chukwueze, manager Marco Silva has voiced blunt frustration at losing the winger to AFCON duty.
Silva, reacting to questions about January squad depth, admitted the timing is “terrible,” saying Fulham will need to “adjust tactically and emotionally” to the sudden absence of their most in-form attacker. The Portuguese manager has repeatedly stressed that Chukwueze’s current productivity makes him “undroppable” — making his AFCON departure even more destabilizing for the club.
Chukwueze’s resurgence has come through improved decision-making in the final third, sharper cutting runs, and renewed confidence in one-on-one situations. After a difficult start to life in England, he has now registered contributions in consecutive league games, including a trademark left-footed strike that sent Fulham supporters into raptures.
Silva, however, faces a mid-season fixture pile-up with limited attacking cover. “You cannot replace this profile easily,” he reportedly said. “He gives us goals, he gives us transition, he gives us fear factor. Losing him now is difficult.”
For Nigeria, the timing is perfect. Chukwueze’s form answers long-standing concerns over consistency and sharpness ahead of AFCON 2025, where he is expected to form a high-speed attacking trio with Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. His resurgence also comes as the Super Eagles navigate a defensive rebuild following Troost-Ekong’s retirement.
The winger is due to join the national team’s camp in Egypt as preparations intensify for group matches against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. Nigeria’s technical team has privately described him as “one of the most essential attacking weapons” for the tournament.
With Fulham fighting for stability and Nigeria chasing continental glory, Chukwueze has suddenly become one of the most consequential African footballers of the season.
