Nigeria’s ace, Samuel Chukwueze, accustomed to a regular spot in the national team, found himself on the bench once more during the AFCON clash against Equatorial Guinea. Super Eagles coach Jose Vitor Peseiro opted for Simon, a traditional left-winger, in the starting lineup, marking the third consecutive competitive game where Chukwueze failed to secure a spot in the first eleven.

In this encounter, Chukwueze’s introduction off the bench against Equatorial Guinea did little to sway the game in Nigeria’s favor. The AC Milan forward struggled to make a significant impact, failing to create meaningful opportunities. As Peseiro searches for the right formula to rejuvenate the team’s performance, Chukwueze’s recent struggles raise questions about his role and form in the squad.