AFCON 2025
Fulham manager, Marco Silva has revealed that Super Eagles trio, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are still suffering emotionally from missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The trio were in action as the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost to the DR Congo’s Leopards on penalties as they failed to secure qualification for the interconfederation playoffs next year.
Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo after the match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra-time at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Calvin Bassey was one of the Nigerian players who missed a spot kick on the night as the Congolese sealed qualification ahead of the three-time African champions.
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze have since returned to West London for the resumption of club football this weekend as Fulham welcome Sunderland at Craven Cottage.
While speaking ahead of the match, the Portuguese manager said players returned to the club with different emotions but “it’s part of the business.”
Some have another chance to go and play the play-offs to be in the World Cup [while] others have already qualified.
“You have different examples – players that lost a chance in penalty shootouts as well. It’s part of the business.”
Fulham will look to get back to winning when they welcome the Black Cats to Craven Cottage after losing to Everton before the international break.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagle trio, barring injuries will return to Morocco next month to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations which starts on December 21.
