Manchester City appeared to have written the perfect script when they raced into a commanding 3-0 lead inside 44 minutes at Craven Cottage. But what unfolded was pure Nollywood drama, with Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze stepping into starring roles for Fulham in a match that will be talked about for years.
Act One: The Spark
City’s dominance looked absolute until Iwobi injected life into the contest. The Nigerian midfielder showcased his trademark vision and composure, orchestrating Fulham’s first breakthrough. His clever involvement in the buildup allowed Emile Smith Rowe to head home in first-half stoppage time, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and giving the home fans hope.
Act Two: City’s Ruthless Response
Pep Guardiola’s men responded like champions. Phil Foden restored the cushion with a clinical finish, and a deflected strike from Jeremy Doku made it 5-1 early in the second half. At that point, most assumed the game was over. But the script was about to flip.
Act Three: The Nollywood Twist
Iwobi struck in the 57th minute, igniting belief and setting the stage for Chukwueze’s explosive cameo. The winger delivered two quickfire goals in the 72nd and 78th minutes, turning the contest into a pulsating spectacle.
Suddenly, City were backpedaling, and Craven Cottage was rocking. The climax came in stoppage time when Josh King’s shot was cleared off the line by Josko Gvardiol, denying Fulham an improbable equalizer. Final score: Manchester City 5-4 Fulham, a thriller worthy of the big screen.
-- NIGERIA ONLY --
The Sequel: AFCON Calls
As dramatic as this performance was, Fulham now faces a real-life plot twist. With Nigeria qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Marco Silva will soon lose his Nollywood leading men, Iwobi and Chukwueze, along with defender Calvin Bassey.
Their absence could leave a gaping hole in Fulham’s attack and defense, especially given how instrumental they were in nearly toppling the champions.
Iwobi’s creativity and Chukwueze’s pace have become central to Fulham’s identity. Replacing that dynamism during a congested Premier League schedule will be a challenge Silva must solve quickly.
Nigeria’s Preliminary AFCON 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
Attackers: Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, Nathan Tella, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Adams Akor, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Rafiu Durosinmi, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago