Super Eagles Winger Samuel Chukwueze Shines in Fulham's Dramatic Premier League Victory
Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze delivered a standout performance for Fulham, scoring a vital equalizer in their 2-1 comeback win against Brighton in the English Premier League. The match, played on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Craven Cottage, saw Chukwueze make a significant impact after being introduced as a substitute in the 59th minute.
Chukwueze's Goal and Match Highlights
Chukwueze, the 26-year-old AC Milan winger on loan to Fulham, found the net in the 72nd minute, canceling out Yasin Ayari's first-half opener for Brighton. His goal leveled the score at 1-1, setting the stage for Harry Wilson's dramatic 92nd-minute free-kick winner. This victory marked Fulham's continued reliance on substitutes, as they have now scored 24 Premier League goals from substitutes since last season, tying with Brighton for the most in the league.
The match also featured notable moments, including a late equalizer by Brighton's Danny Welbeck that was disallowed after VAR consultation. Additionally, Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Alex Iwobi, while other Nigerian players like Calvin Bassey were named among the substitutes.
Fan Reactions and Ballon d'Or Calls
Following the match, football fans, particularly Nigerians, took to social media to express their admiration for Chukwueze's performance. Many praised his skill and resilience, with some even calling for him to be considered for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. Comments included:
- @Osaro_vibes said, "Give him Ballon d'Or."
- @ThankgodIkedi wrote, "Who knows why Eric Chelle didn't play this guy in our match against Morocco? Omo I trust Chukwueze to deliver pass Hebrew women in tough matches."
- @Mr_Africanist added, "Followed the AFCON, don’t think the Nigerian coach was fair to have this brilliant player on the bench, especially against Morocco. The Nigerian striker that plays for Sevilla was losing balls. Clearly heard the commentators say that Samuel should have been played from start or brought in to replace the Sevilla lad."
- @pascaliito noted, "A prophet is not recognised in his town."
Context from AFCON 2025 and CAF Message
Chukwueze's goal for Fulham comes just a week after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he faced mixed reactions from fans. Despite providing two assists in Nigeria's 3-1 group stage win against Uganda, he was criticized after missing a crucial penalty in the semi-final shootout loss to Morocco. He featured in five matches overall, including the third-place play-off where Nigeria secured the bronze medal against Egypt.
Prior to that third-place match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a supportive message to Chukwueze, acknowledging the intense scrutiny he faced. This gesture highlighted the pressures on players in high-stakes tournaments and the broader context of his performance at both club and international levels.
Season Performance and Broader Impact
This goal marks Chukwueze's third in the 2025/26 Premier League season for Fulham, showcasing his growing influence since joining from AC Milan. His ability to bounce back from AFCON disappointment with a key club contribution underscores his resilience and talent. As Fulham continues to compete in the Premier League, Chukwueze's role as a dynamic winger remains crucial, with fans and analysts alike watching his progress closely.
In summary, Samuel Chukwueze's performance against Brighton not only secured vital points for Fulham but also reignited discussions about his potential and the recognition he deserves on the global stage.
