Fulham head coach Marco Silva has praised Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze for his impact in his side's 1-0 over Sunderland, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old fleet-footed attacker had a quiet International Break with the Nigerian National team, as he was taken off in consecutive games after having little to no impact.
To make things worse, the three-time African Champions failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, it appears the Milan loanee has put all that behind him as he provided the assist for Fulham's only goal at Craven Cottage this evening, as his cross found Raul Jimenez inside the Sunderland box.
¡GOOOOOOL DE RAÚL JIMÉNEZ!
¡GOOOOOOL DE RAÚL JIMÉNEZ!El olfato goleador del mexicano dentro del área. Fulham lo gana por la mínima. #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/Zrma9GIYtF
— FOX (@somos_FOX) November 22, 2025
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Chukwueze draws praise from Fulham coach
The one-time UEFA Europa League winner drew praise from the club's manager, as did the goalscorer.
“He [Chukwueze] had a really good impact. We had opportunities, even in the first half. I want to thank him for the cross. I was ready to score,” Raul Jimenez told Jack Kelly.
Marco Silva was delighted his side were able to steal all three points from an in-form Sunderland side, who were in the top four heading into the clash at Craven Cottage.
“We deserved the three points. We scored a late goal, but we should have scored much earlier in the game.
“Back on track. We needed that for our fans, for them. We created 3-4 clear chances in the first half. Nothing for them apart from Traore.
“We always had the possession well balanced, good performance overall. Massive impact from ESR and Chukwueze.
“We are going to need Samuel [Chukwueze] from the start, but we will lose him to AFCON soon. Clean sheet, solid.
“The goal from Raul speaks about his killer instinct. If you are a Fulham fan, you should all enjoy it.
“The worst moment of his life, 5-6 years ago, was the way he bounced back. Raul always plays with his heart. Sometimes plays well, sometimes not so well, he gives his all.
“It was a tough game for him, against big guys (at the back) – what a goal, proper striker goal in my opinion.”
“Nothing changed in terms of approach. Raul arrived on Friday, just for one session.
We had the moments to go quicker, we tried to show the players what we should improve with not much time to prepare with all the players,” the former Watford coach concluded.
Fulham are now 14th in the English Premier League with 14 points from their opening 12 games.
