Fulham manager Marco Silva has voiced his profound disappointment regarding the imminent loss of key players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which is scheduled to commence in Morocco in less than three weeks. Silva anticipates being without influential Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze, alongside teammates Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, all of whom are expected to join the Nigerian national squad by December 15th. The 35th edition of the biennial continental tournament is set to run from December 21st, 2025, to January 18th, 2026.

Samuel Chukwueze has been in exceptional form for Fulham, earning Man of the Match honors in their recent 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and scoring a brace in a thrilling 5-4 defeat to Manchester City. Manager Marco Silva lauded the winger’s impact, stating, “Chukwu is just showing his quality; he has quality on the right and on the left. He can make the right decisions as well. He’s getting better and better. Unfortunately, we’re going to lose him in 15 days time like it was three times in the last three months, but it is what it is, and till then we have to get the best from him and let’s hope we can do it on Sunday again.” Silva also acknowledged Chukwueze’s immediate influence, noting, “He’s already making an impact. Last Saturday, he did it.” Despite managing his minutes, Chukwueze’s contributions, particularly when coming off the bench against City, have been significant. He has been included in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad and is widely expected to make the final 28-man selection.

Chukwueze’s resurgence in England has not only boosted his confidence but has also completely reshaped expectations around his value and role. AC Milan, his parent club, now believes they can command as much as €30 million for him, a stark contrast to earlier anticipations of a financial loss following an inconsistent spell in Serie A after his initial €20 million move from Villarreal. Struggling for rhythm, form, game time, and confidence at Milan, the forward’s future had looked bleak. However, his impressive Premier League form, particularly from the left wing after his masterclass against Man City, has fully restored his market value and attracted renewed interest from clubs like Fulham.

The tactical switch by Marco Silva to play Chukwueze on the left wing has been a pivotal factor in his revival. This move, first recognized by Pulse Sports Nigeria, has allowed Chukwueze to cut inside onto his stronger left foot with greater space, enabling him to carry the ball diagonally into threatening zones. He creates overloads with overlapping full-backs, becomes harder to predict, and plays with newfound freedom, a subtle yet masterful tweak that has transformed his game. This €30 million valuation reflects not just output but a significant tactical discovery – a new Chukwueze in a new, more effective role at the perfect time.

For Fulham, this presents a critical decision: secure this newly unlocked star permanently by activating his option for a permanent transfer or risk Milan selling him to another Premier League club. Their choice will determine if Chukwueze cements his Premier League career or returns to Italy. Meanwhile, for the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025, this new role for Chukwueze offers a potentially powerful secret weapon as Nigeria targets a fourth AFCON title. Playing on the left provides clearer shooting angles, cleaner ball-carrying lanes, more room to combine with striker Victor Osimhen (if fit), and a direct threat that defenders will struggle to anticipate. This left-footed inside forward role, rarely utilized by the Super Eagles, could address the team’s persistent struggle to create consistently from wide areas in major tournaments.

A confident, in-form Chukwueze in a role that perfectly suits him provides Nigeria with a fresh goal source, tactical unpredictability, an ability to break down low defensive blocks, and flexibility to switch wings if necessary. With AFCON just around the corner, the timing of this resurgence couldn’t be better. Three-time AFCON champions Nigeria will kick off their campaign on December 23rd against Tanzania in Group C, followed by a challenging fixture against former champions Tunisia on December 27th, and concluding their group stage matches against Uganda on December 30th. The pressure is high for the Super Eagles to perform well in Morocco, especially after failing to qualify for the expanded FIFA World Cup, making this tournament a crucial opportunity for redemption and to bring joy to their passionate supporters.

Ultimately, Chukwueze’s €30 million valuation is not merely about money; it confirms his rediscovery and redefinition as a formidable weapon for both his club and his country’s future.