Silva reacts to losing Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwueze for AFCON

Fulham manager Marco Silva has bemoaned the imminent departure of Nigerian trio – Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze – for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The trio are set to depart to join the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 35th edition of the AFCON in the North African nation. While admitting he was aware of the situation, Silva admits their quality will be missed.

‘We will not panic about its impact’

“We knew it was going to happen. We will not panic about its impact,” Silva said as quoted by AOL.

“We are talking about three starting XI players. We know Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin, and what Chukwueze has been doing in recent games. You have to find solutions. If you know any other way to handle it [AFCON], let me know.”

On Thursday, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle named a formidable 28-man squad with the trio making the cut alongside star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON, open their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, before facing Tunisia and Uganda as they aim to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds.

Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 and reached the final in 2024.

Nigeria AFCON squad;

Goalkeepers
• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
• Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
• Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
• Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
• Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
• Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
• Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
• Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
• Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)