Marco Silva Laments Chukwueze’s AFCON Exit Amid Sparkling Form

Fulham Boss Faces Triple Nigerian Blow as Super Eagles Call Looms.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has voiced his frustration over the upcoming departure of star winger Samuel Chukwueze for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, just as the Nigerian dazzles in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old scored twice off the bench in Fulham’s thrilling 5-4 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage, igniting a stunning comeback from 3-0 and 5-1 deficits. His double marked his first Premier League goals of the season and injected vital energy into the hosts’ attack.

Despite the loss, Silva hailed his team’s resilience and the electric Craven Cottage crowd, which nearly inspired a miraculous draw against Pep Guardiola’s side.

“Chukwu is just showing his quality, he has quality on the right and on the left. He can make the right decisions as well,” Silva said.

The Portuguese tactician noted Chukwueze is “getting better and better,” but lamented the timing of his call-up:

“Unfortunately, we’re going to lose him in 15 days’ time like it was three times in the last three months, but it is what it is, and till then we have to get the best from him.”

Chukwueze’s Red-Hot Streak

🚨 Pep Guardiola shared a laugh with Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze after the winger’s brace made Man City sweat in their 5-4 win.

Chukwueze scored twice in six minutes to cut the lead from 5-1, but City survived.

Pep admitted relief after another nervy finish. pic.twitter.com/5dRJZx5GBu

— Sportblits (@sportblits__) December 3, 2025

Over his last three matches, the dynamic forward has delivered two goals and two assists. His playful post-match exchange with Guardiola and growing synergy with teammates highlight his rising influence in Fulham’s attack.

Silva’s tactical management—benching Chukwueze against City to preserve freshness—has paid dividends, with teammate Alex Iwobi dubbing him ‘Chuku-magic’ for his game-changing flair.

Triple Blow for Fulham

Chukwueze won’t be alone in heading to AFCON. Iwobi and defender Calvin Bassey—all named in Eric Chelle’s preliminary 54-man Nigeria squad—will also depart, leaving Silva to plug significant gaps in attack, creativity, and defense during a packed schedule.

“It’s difficult to replace the speed, creativity, and tactical intelligence they bring,” Silva admitted.

With 15 days until the trio’s exit, Silva is determined to maximize their impact—starting with Sunday’s fixture—before navigating the AFCON void.