Crystal Palace unbeaten run boosted by arrival of Christantus Uche after Super Eagles debut vs Bafana Bafana

Super Eagles star Christantus Uche has opened his Crystal Palace chapter as he looks to make his Premier League debut this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria international Uche wasted no time settling into life at Crystal Palace, taking part in his first training session with the Premier League side less than 48 hours after leaving South Africa.

The 22-year-old midfielder was part of the Super Eagles squad that held Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night, coming on in the closing stages to make his competitive debut for Nigeria.

After the final whistle, Uche boarded a flight back to England and reported for duty in south London on Wednesday evening.

By Thursday morning he was already on the pitch with his new teammates at Palace’s training ground, putting in the work ahead of what could be a landmark weekend.

He's here…

Christantus Uche pic.twitter.com/AywXtrv4Ga

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 11, 2025

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The Eagles host newly promoted Sunderland at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with manager Oliver Glasner expected to give Uche a place in the matchday squad.

The Nigerian arrives in south London with plenty of expectation. Uche was signed on transfer deadline day from Getafe on an initial loan, with a compulsory €20m-plus purchase clause.

The youngster was one of La Liga’s brightest breakout stars last season, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances.

Palace fended off competition from several clubs, including Wolves, who turned their attention to compatriot Tolu Arokodare after failing to close a deal.

Uche and Jaydee's first day at training pic.twitter.com/TxuVrQVxB5

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 11, 2025

Uche’s immediate integration comes at an important moment for Palace.

The FA Cup holders are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games (three wins, six draws) and boast the longest current streak in the division. Victory over Sunderland would extend that run into double figures for the first time since 1990.

Home form has also been formidable, with Palace unbeaten at Selhurst Park in 11 consecutive matches across all competitions. Against newly promoted teams, their record is equally impressive: only one defeat in 16, a narrow 2-1 loss to Luton Town in late 2023.

Saturday’s fixture will mark Sunderland’s first top-flight meeting with Palace since February 2017, when the Black Cats stunned the Eagles with a 4-0 away win. Palace are determined to avoid a repeat and Uche’s energy in midfield could prove valuable.

The match may also offer fans their first glimpse of summer signings Yermy Pino and Jaydee Canvot in Premier League action. But all eyes will be on Uche, the latest Nigerian talent to test himself in England’s top flight, as he looks to mark his arrival with an early impact.