Despite limited game time: Super Eagles star Christantus Uche wins key Crystal Palace award

Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche has been named the winner of Crystal Palace's Goal of the Month award for December, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Uche has endured a difficult period since joining the Eagles on a season-long loan from Spanish La Liga side Getafe last summer.

Following a standout campaign in the Spanish top flight last season, the versatile 22-year-old was expected to play a pivotal role for Palace this year; however, that has not happened.

​Uche has started just three games across all competitions this season. Manager Oliver Glasner has frequently suggested that the Nigerian midfielder is not currently a primary part of his plans, despite the player delivering promising performances during his limited time on the pitch.

​His most recent start came just a week before Christmas in a 3-2 defeat to KuPS in the UEFA Europa Conference League. In that match, the Super Eagles star opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a truly sensational strike.

​Uche received the ball just outside the KuPS penalty area, dropped his shoulder to bypass his marker, and unleashed a brilliant shot with the outside of his right foot that nestled into the bottom-left corner.

The goal was a highlight of the tournament week and has now earned him his first major accolade in England.

This is as Crystal Palace announced that Uche had won the Goal of the Month Award for December.

Ucheeeeee

Christantus Uche’s stunning strike against KuPS was voted your @LoadedEN Goal of the Month

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 5, 2026

Christantus Uche at Crossroads at Crystal Palace

Christantus Uche's loan deal had an “obligation to buy” clause, but it came with the condition that he would start ten games for Crystal Palace this season.

But it does not seem like that will happen. In fact, the club just completed the signing of Brennan Johnson.

This means that they don't see Uche as an important player, and he would definitely be made aware of that.

For a player of his quality, he will be disappointed with his situation and will be looking to get more minutes, which he definitely won't get in London.

As it stands, it will be difficult for the Super Eagles star to get another loan move, and a return to Getafe seems tough. He will be hoping that his situation improves soon.