English Premier League side Fulham FC has publicly thrown its weight behind the Nigerian national team on the eve of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.
Fulham's Viral Message of Support
The London-based club directed a special message of good luck to its three players in the Nigerian squad: midfielders Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, alongside defender Calvin Bassey. The club's official social media post on platform X, which quickly went viral, read: "AFCON begins for Alex, Calvin and Chukwu. Good luck to our Super Eagles!"
This gesture comes as the Super Eagles prepare to open their Group C account against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, December 23. The match is scheduled for a 6:30 PM kickoff, Nigerian time.
Nigeria's Historic Edge and Current Campaign
The three-time AFCON champions will be aiming to replicate history, having defeated Tanzania 3-1 in their only previous encounter 45 years ago at Lagos's Teslim Balogun Stadium. This match marks the beginning of Nigeria's quest for a fourth continental title under coach Eric Chelle, who is making his second AFCON appearance after leading Mali to the quarter-finals in the last edition.
The 35th edition of the tournament officially commenced on Sunday night, with host nation Morocco securing a 2-0 victory over Comoros in Rabat.
Nigerian Fans React with Enthusiasm
The show of support from Fulham has been warmly received by Nigerian football enthusiasts online. Many took to social media to express their appreciation for the club's recognition of its Nigerian contingent.
One fan, @fineboytunde_, commented, "God bless you for putting in the energy to support us." Another user, @loveday_tom, humorously proposed a deal: "If Alex, Calvin and Chukwu get a goal each against Tanzania, @FulhamFC you will sponsor an all expenses paid trip to Morocco for me." The sentiment was widely shared, with @SegeBobo2 adding, "Thank you Fulham for supporting the Eagles. We love you."
The players being celebrated have had varied club seasons. According to ESPN statistics, Samuel Chukwueze scored two goals in nine appearances for Fulham, Alex Iwobi netted twice in 16 matches, and defender Calvin Bassey found the net once in his 16 games.
Morale Boost from Home Government
In a related development, the Super Eagles received a significant morale booster from the Nigerian federal government just before the tournament. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fulfilled financial promises made to the team nearly two years earlier, following their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire. This long-awaited gesture is seen as a major motivational push for the squad as they embark on their 2025 campaign.
All eyes will now be on Fez as Nigeria's star-studded team, buoyed by support from their club and nation, begins its journey to conquer Africa once again.
