Marco Silva banks on these Nigerian stars for Fulham’s Brighton test

Jan 24, 2026 - 14:30

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has revealed his delight at the inclusion of three Super Eagles stars ahead of his side's clash against Brighton and Hove Albion this evening, Soccernet.ng reports.

Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze were all heavily involved with Nigeria at the AFCON 2025 tournament.

While Iwobi and Bassey were undisputed starters in Morocco, Chukwueze was relegated to a squad player role under Eric Chelle.

Marco Silva previously mentioned his team would be stronger with the Nigerian trio, and has now banked on them ahead of their clash against Brighton.

Fulham forward Samuel Chukwueze celebrates after scoring his second goal 4-5 during the Fulham v Manchester City. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax

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Marco Silva banks on Nigerian trio for Fulham’s Brighton test

In the absence of the Super Eagles stars, Fulham won three games, drew three games and lost one. Marco Silva is now hoping their arrival comes with some consistency in team results.

“Definitely, of course, it's been nice to have them back,” the Portuguese tactician said in his game preview as revealed on Fulham's official website.

Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon of Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Uganda and the Super Eagles — Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon of Nigeria during the AFCON match between Uganda and the Super Eagles in Fes, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

“We were missing the competitive week, and the last eight or nine weeks, we have been missing these types of weeks that we had.
“We had in preparation for Brighton. Senior players around, good sessions, and that's all we need really to reach the level we want and should be.
“Three good players, as you know, but it's not just about their individual qualities; they're loud off the pitch. You can feel they're around. They're big players for us
“The others stayed here, they did great as well, they coped with the situation in a great way. It's all very important.
“The team is getting into better conditions, and it's been a completely different week. The feeling around the place is good,” Marco Silva concluded.

Samuel Chukwueze's goal disallowed by VAR in Fulham's clash against Crystal Palace, Marco Silva — Samuel Chukwueze's goal was disallowed by VAR in Fulham's clash against Crystal Palace, Marco Silva. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

While Fulham are climbing up the Premier League table, they stand the risk of losing their head coach to bigger sides as his contract expires in the summer and talks about a renewal have stalled.