Fulham Manager Rues Losing Chukwueze, 2 Teammates To Super Eagles For AFCON 2025

Fulham manager Marco Silva has expressed his disappointment at losing key players to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to commence in Morocco in less than three weeks.

Silva faces the prospect of being without Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, along with teammates Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, who are all expected to join the Nigerian national squad on 15th December. The 35th edition of the biennial continental tournament runs from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026.

Chukwueze, who earned Man of the Match honours in Fulham’s recent 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and netted a brace in their thrilling 5-4 defeat to Manchester City, has been in impressive form. Silva praised the winger’s impact:

“Chukwu is just showing his quality; he has quality on the right and on the left. He can make the right decisions as well. He’s getting better and better. 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 and let’s hope we can do it on Sunday again.”

Silva further acknowledged Chukwueze’s immediate influence, stating on the club’s official website, “He’s already making an impact. Last Saturday, he did it.” Despite managing his minutes, the manager noted the significant contribution when Chukwueze entered the fray against City.

Chukwueze has been included in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad and is widely expected to make the final 28-man selection. While playing in AFCON is a dream for African footballers, its biennial schedule often disrupts European club seasons.

Three-time AFCON champions Nigeria will kick off their campaign on 23rd December against Tanzania in Group C, followed by a challenging fixture against former champions Tunisia on 27th December, and concluding their group stage matches against Uganda on 30th December.

The pressure is high for the Super Eagles to perform well in Morocco, particularly after failing to qualify for the expanded FIFA World Cup. The tournament offers a crucial opportunity for the team to redeem themselves and bring joy to their passionate supporters.