Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze was a bundle of delight after scoring to kick-start Fulham’s incredible Premier League comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Footynaija.com reports.
Chukwueze, alongside his compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey had been away for the past one month, representing Nigeria at the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The trio only returned early last week after making significant contributions in the Super Eagles’ run to claiming bronze after enjoying an impressive tournament in Morocco.
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While Iwobi got the nod in Fulham manager Marco Silva’s starting XI, Chukwueze and Bassey had to make do with a place on the bench.
However, things weren’t going according to plan for the Cottagers after Yasin Ayari put Brighton in front with 28 minutes on the clock.
In need of some pace and trickery up front, Silva turned to Chukwueze on the hour mark and it didn’t take very long for the Super Eagles star to repay his manager’s faith.
With 72 minutes on the clock, Fulham center back Joachim Andersen pinged a long ball into the Nigeria international, who in turn, raced through on goal and coolly slotted the ball into the net.
That goal gave the home side a much-needed boost and they eventually went on to find the winner in stoppage-time courtesy of a sublime Harry Wilson free-kick. Reacting after the game, Chukwueze could hide his joy.
“I am so happy for the team and also for my goal,” Chukwueze said in a post-match interview.
“We needed that win. It was tough to come back, so it was a very good game for us. The manager told me to do what I can do best. Everything worked out today.”
The former Villarreal star also reserved praise for Andersen and Wilson after their respective contributions to securing the hard-fought victory.
“It was a fantastic pass from Andersen, and I have to give him credit when I get into the dressing room. Harry Wilson is in the form of his life. He deserves it. He has been incredible throughout the season.”
With that win, Fulham are temporarily up to 7th place on the Premier League standings. They have 34 points from 23 games and remain firmly in contention for one of those European spots.
