Samuel Chukwueze perfecting supersub designation at Fulham

Samuel Chukwueze delivered exactly the kind of response Fulham supporters had been hoping to see, helping the side clinch back-to-back home league wins with a narrow victory over Sunderland on Saturday evening.

After a subdued international window where he struggled for rhythm with Nigeria and watched the Super Eagles miss out on the 2026 World Cup, the winger looked refreshed and purposeful back at Craven Cottage.

The Milan loanee provided the game’s decisive moment, whipping a teasing ball into the box for Raúl Jiménez to finish late in the second half. It was a reminder of the quality he carries when he’s fully switched on, and the sort of creative spark Fulham have been seeking from him since his arrival.

Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi also impressed. Bassey held the back line together with authority, while Iwobi’s smooth passing and movement kept Fulham ticking through midfield. Their influence ensured Sunderland rarely built any sustained momentum.

Marco Silva reflects on Chukwueze’s return to form and AFCON concerns

Fulham boss Marco Silva expressed satisfaction afterward, insisting his side had done enough to win long before the breakthrough came. He pointed to Chukwueze and Emile Smith Rowe as key drivers of the late surge.

“We deserved the three points. We scored a late goal, but we should have scored much earlier in the game. Back on track. We needed that for our fans. We created three or four clear chances in the first half. Nothing for them apart from Traoré,” Silva said. “We always kept possession well balanced, good performance overall. Massive impact from ESR and Chukwueze.”

By the way, I've seen enough, pay the loan option NOW! 😅 🤍 #Chukwueze #Fulham #FFC pic.twitter.com/95dYNOl7M7

— Jack Moore (@JackMoore1993) November 22, 2025

Silva, however, was already looking at the bigger picture. He admitted that Chukwueze’s resurgence is timely, yet bittersweet, with the winger set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in a matter of weeks. Losing him, alongside other key players, will test Fulham’s depth during an intense phase of the campaign.

“We are going to need Samuel from the start, but we will lose him to AFCON soon. Clean sheet, solid.”