Fulham Boss Says Nigerian Stars Still Hurt by World Cup Playoff Loss

Fulham manager Marco Silva says Super Eagles players Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are still struggling emotionally after Nigeria’s painful World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo. All three started the decisive match, which ended 4-3 on penalties after Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike.

Nigeria’s problems began when Iwobi lost the ball in midfield, leading to Congo’s 32nd-minute equaliser. The match later went to a shootout, where Bassey — one of Nigeria’s best performers on the night — sent his effort over the bar.

The Nigerian trio returned to Fulham this week ahead of the Premier League clash with Sunderland, but Silva said the mood in camp has been mixed. According to the BBC, he explained, “Some of them come with completely different feelings... Some have another chance... others already qualified... You have different examples – players that lost a chance in penalty shootouts as well. It's part of the business.”

If fit, Chukwueze, Iwobi and Bassey are expected to be part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month.