In the weekend leading up to the finalisation of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, several Super Eagles players showcased their quality across European leagues, delivering performances that could influence Eric Chelle’s selections.
Turkey and Croatia Stars Impress, Olanrewaju Kayode continued his remarkable form in Turkey’s second division, scoring twice and providing an assist for Erokspor in their 4–1 win over Sakaryaspor. These goals lifted him to ten for the season, keeping him among the league’s top scorers. Erokspor now sit third, just a point behind leaders Pendikspor, and Kayode’s consistency strengthens his case for a national team recall.
Meanwhile, in Croatia, 22-year-old Salim Fago further cemented his claim for AFCON inclusion by scoring in NK Istra’s 5–1 demolition of Osijek, marking his fourth goal of the campaign.
Fulham’s Nigerian trio, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, featured in a 2–1 defeat to Crystal Palace. Chukwueze continued to demonstrate his Premier League efficiency, averaging a goal involvement every 46 minutes, the fastest rate for players with at least 200 minutes this season. He earned the corner that led to Palace’s winner late in the game.
In the WSL, Chiamaka Nnadozie kept her third clean sheet of the season as Brighton edged the London City Lionesses 1–0, with Rofiat Imuran playing the full match for the losing side.
Everton’s Toni Payne produced a memorable contribution by providing the assist that ended Chelsea’s 34-game unbeaten league streak in a 1–0 away victory. This brings her tally to one goal and three assists in 13 appearances this season.
Other Nigerian Performances
Victor Boniface came on for 11 minutes in Werder Bremen’s 3–2 loss to Hamburger, while Moses Simon’s goal drought extended to five matches with Paris FC. Akor Adams is yet to find the net in La Liga following Sevilla’s 1–1 draw with Valencia, though he remains a strong AFCON candidate.
Chubuike Nwaiwu received his second red card of the season in Austria’s 2–1 win over Austria Vienna, and Anthony Dennis impressed in Turkey with a stoppage-time goal for Goztepe, his third of the campaign.
Victor Osimhen continued his hot streak with a brace for Galatasaray in their 3–2 win over Samsunspor, while Philip Otele contributed four shots, three on target, as Basel defeated Winterthur 2–1 in Switzerland.
Marco Silva Jokes About VAR Decision on Chukwueze in Fulham Loss
Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his frustration after his side had a goal ruled out against Crystal Palace, jokingly blaming Samuel Chukwueze’s toenail.
During the match, Fulham initially thought they had taken the lead through Emile Smith-Rowe in the 53rd minute. Chukwueze’s cross found Iwobi, whose header hit the bar, allowing Smith-Rowe to tap home. However, VAR disallowed the goal, ruling Chukwueze offside.
Following the decision, Fulham struggled to create further chances, and Marc Guehi’s 87th-minute header handed Palace a 2–1 victory.
Silva reacted to the controversial call, saying, “It probably comes down to Chukwueze’s toenail being too big for the sport we’re playing.” He praised his team’s effort, noting the importance of moving the ball quickly and maintaining possession, but admitted the disallowed goal affected the team’s rhythm.
The Cottagers are now 15th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone, and will miss key Nigerian players, Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, for the next month due to various absences. Silva acknowledged their importance, stating, “Chukwueze is starting to have that impact. It is what it is; we knew it when we signed him.”
